Silky Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Elevate your lunch or snack game with this Silky Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce, a delightful blend of rich flavors and creamy texture. This sauce features a perfect balance of fresh herbs and creamy cheese, making it a perfect pairing for your favorite pasta. Experience the warmth of a homemade dish that is quick to prepare and sure to impress anyone you share it with. Easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, this sauce is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to mix and match with various types of pasta. Enjoy the comforting taste of classic Italian cuisine right in your own kitchen!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Onion
1 (Peeled and chopped fine)
Plum tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (Pureed)
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Ground oregano
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Ground basil
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Cream cheese
1/4 lb (Softened)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.
2
Stir in the pureed plum tomatoes along with the freshly ground black pepper, oregano, basil, and thyme. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
4
Remove the skillet from heat and gently whisk in the softened cream cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, continuing to stir until it is softly bubbling.
5
Toss the sauce with your choice of cooked pasta—penne works beautifully. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silky Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce?
It is a delightful blend of rich flavors and creamy texture, featuring a balance of fresh herbs and cream cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How long does it take to prepare this sauce?
The sauce is quick to prepare and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include plum tomatoes, onion, olive oil, cream cheese, and a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
Is this pasta sauce recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly recipe.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes, which should be pureed.
What makes the sauce silky?
The addition of softened cream cheese at the end of the cooking process gives the sauce its signature silky and creamy texture.
Which pasta works best with this sauce?
Penne pasta works beautifully with this sauce, though you can use any of your favorite pasta types.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be peeled and chopped fine before sautéing.
What herbs are used in the seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with ground oregano, ground basil, ground thyme, and freshly ground black pepper.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté the onions.
At what heat should I sauté the onions?
The onions should be sautéed over medium heat for about 3 minutes until soft and translucent.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 10 minutes after reaching a boil.
When do I add the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be whisked in after removing the skillet from the heat.
Does the cream cheese need to be at room temperature?
Yes, the recipe specifies using softened cream cheese for easier blending.
Can I add extra cheese to the finished dish?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
What is the consistency of the final sauce?
The sauce should be thick, smooth, and creamy with soft bubbling before serving.
Is this a spicy sauce?
No, the sauce is savory and herb-forward, though it contains a small amount of black pepper for flavor.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of ground?
While the recipe specifies ground herbs, you can substitute fresh herbs if preferred, though you may need to adjust the quantities.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened and gently whisk it into the sauce until smooth.
What category of food is this?
This recipe falls under Italian cuisine and is categorized as a pasta sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, its quick preparation time of under 30 minutes makes it ideal for a lunch or quick snack.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to serve a larger group of 8 people.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in total.
Should I boil the sauce after adding cream cheese?
No, the cream cheese is whisked in off the heat, then stirred until it is just softly bubbling.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 lb of softened cream cheese.
What type of pepper is best?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a comforting homemade dish with a rich and warm taste.
How do I prepare the plum tomatoes?
The 28-ounce can of plum tomatoes should be pureed before being added to the skillet.
What is the first step in making this sauce?
The first step is to heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the onions.