Easy Tomato Cream Sauce
Easy tomato cream sauce is a rich and velvety blend of tomatoes, heavy cream, and seasonings, creating a savory yet slightly tangy flavor. Perfect for pasta dishes, this sauce combines the acidity of tomatoes with the smoothness of cream, adding depth and a hint of sweetness to your favorite Italian-inspired meals.
Equipment
- Medium-sized skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small yellow onion finely diced
- 1 can 14.5 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the red pepper flakes, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking.
- Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream is well incorporated. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it’s too acidic, add a pinch more sugar. Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired, and serve hot over your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, or as a dipping sauce for bread.
Notes
This sauce is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the amount of cream depending on how rich you want it. If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the cream or substitute it with milk or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.