introduction
This Easy Tomato Cream Pasta Sauce is quick, smooth, and cosy for weeknights. It mixes jarred marinara with cream and garlic for a fast dinner that tastes richer than the time it takes to make. If you like mild cream sauces, you might also enjoy creamy mushroom soup as a simple side.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a fast, tasty sauce with few ingredients. It needs one pan and one jar of sauce, so you save time and clean up less. The creamy touch lifts plain marinara into something special, like the comfort you find in creamy lasagna soup.
how to make Easy Tomato Cream Pasta Sauce
This section shows the ingredients and steps to make the sauce.
Ingredients :
- 1 jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta of your choice
Directions :
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
- Add minced garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated. Serve immediately.
For a slightly different herb note, try a version inspired by creamy chicken tortilla soup ideas like adding a squeeze of lime to finish.
how to serve Easy Tomato Cream Pasta Sauce
Serve this sauce hot over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni. Top with grated Parmesan and fresh basil if you have it. For a fuller plate, add a green salad or garlic bread, or pair with a bowl of creamy bacon potato soup for a hearty meal.
how to store Easy Tomato Cream Pasta Sauce
Cool the sauce to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring so the cream does not split.
tips to make Easy Tomato Cream Pasta Sauce
- Use good marinara for the best flavor; plain jar sauce works fine too.
- Add the cream slowly and stir to keep the sauce smooth.
- Cook the sauce on low to avoid boiling the cream.
- If the sauce gets too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water or milk.
Try serving with roasted veggies or spicy sausage for variety, or see ideas like creamy cowboy soup for hearty pairings.
variation (if any)
- Make it spicy: add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Make it meaty: stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage.
- Make it lighter: use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream (the sauce will be less rich).
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of jarred marinara?
A: Yes. Simmer chopped fresh or canned tomatoes until saucy, then add the cream and follow the same steps.
Q: Will the cream curdle when I heat it?
A: Heat gently and do not boil hard. Stir often. If you mix a little pasta water into the sauce, it helps keep the sauce smooth.
Q: Can I freeze this sauce?
A: You can freeze it, but cream may change texture. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month and stir well when reheating.
Q: What pasta shapes work best?
A: Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well, but any pasta works.
Q: How can I make it vegan?
A: Use a dairy-free cream substitute like cashew cream and a vegan marinara to keep the same texture and flavor.
Easy Tomato Cream Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Stir until well combined.
- Add minced garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Let simmer for about 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until well coated. Serve immediately.