Creamy Tomato Basil is a luscious sauce that combines the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the fresh, aromatic touch of basil.
Enriched with a silky creaminess, it achieves a perfect balance of flavors—rich, smooth, and comforting.
Its vibrant color and inviting aroma make it as delightful to the senses as it is to the palate, turning simple ingredients into a luxurious culinary experience.
How To Make Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce?
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Yield: About 4 generous servings
Equipment Needed
- A medium saucepan or deep skillet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400 g) crushed tomatoes, or 5–6 fresh tomatoes, peeled & chopped
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for warmth)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 handful fresh basil, torn or chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat the Base
Warm olive oil (or butter) in a pan, then sauté chopped onion until soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
2. Build the Tomato Core
Stir in crushed tomatoes (or fresh ones) along with tomato ketchup. Sprinkle in sugar, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes to deepen flavor.
3. Create the Creamy Texture
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. The sauce will turn luxuriously pink and velvety. Allow it to simmer gently for 3–4 more minutes, allowing the flavors to marry.
4. Add the Fresh Finish
Fold in the torn basil leaves and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Now serve this flavorful sauce over your favorite dish. A little extra parmesan and basil on top makes it shine even more.
Nutritional Facts Of Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Fat: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Protein: 8 g
Which Goes Best With Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce?
❖ Over Pasta: Toss the sauce with freshly cooked spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for a comforting Italian-style meal.
❖ With Grilled Chicken: Serve as a creamy topping over grilled or baked chicken breasts for extra flavor.
❖ As a Pizza Base: Spread the sauce on homemade pizza dough before adding cheese and toppings.
❖ With Seafood: Pair with shrimp or salmon for a rich and elegant seafood dish.
❖ Dipping Sauce: Use it as a dip for garlic bread, mozzarella sticks, or crispy appetizers.
Tips & Variations
☑ Use Fresh Tomatoes: Swap canned tomatoes with ripe fresh ones for a brighter, garden-fresh flavor.
☑ Dairy-Free Option: Replace cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, vegan version.
☑ Experiment with Creams: Try half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or mascarpone instead of heavy cream.
☑ Add Protein: Stir in cooked sausage, chicken, or shrimp for a complete meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh ripe tomatoes work great, just peel and chop them first.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
Add heavy cream, half-and-half, or even cream cheese for extra richness.
Is this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, it’s vegetarian if you don’t add meat-based stock or sauces.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Sure! Swap cream with coconut cream, cashew cream, or oat cream.
How long does this sauce last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze the sauce?
Yes, freeze it in portions for up to 2 months, then reheat gently.
Can I add protein to this sauce?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu pair wonderfully.
Conclusion
Rich, velvety, and bursting with fresh flavors, this Creamy Tomato Basil is a delightful harmony of tomatoes, herbs, and cream.
Its smooth texture and vibrant aroma make it a comforting and satisfying creation, reflecting the perfect balance between freshness and indulgence in every bite.
Creamy Tomato Basil
Equipment
- A medium saucepan or deep skillet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 400 g crushed tomatoes, or 5–6 fresh tomatoes, peeled & chopped
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon sugar optional, balances acidity
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional, for warmth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 handful fresh basil torn or chopped
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm olive oil (or butter) in a pan, then sauté chopped onion until soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes (or fresh ones) along with tomato ketchup. Sprinkle in sugar, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and chili flakes. Let it simmer for 10–12 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. The sauce will turn luxuriously pink and velvety. Allow it to simmer gently for 3–4 more minutes, allowing the flavors to marry.
- Fold in the torn basil leaves and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Now serve this flavorful sauce over your favorite dish. A little extra parmesan and basil on top makes it shine even more.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.