tomato cream sauce recipe

tomato cream sauce recipe

The Best tomato cream sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite tomato cream sauce recipe, a dish that’s been a staple in my household for years. This recipe is a classic, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, tastes amazing, and is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve at a family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. I’ve served it over pasta, with chicken or pork, and even as a dip for vegetables – the possibilities are endless!

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes. Fresh, flavorful tomatoes are essential to bringing out the natural sweetness in this dish.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings – grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, or even some diced ham can add an extra layer of flavor to this already delicious sauce. One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for later use.

It’s also incredibly easy to reheat – just toss it in a saucepan with some pasta or meatballs and you’re good to go! My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to use the blender to puree the sauce – it’s one of their favorite parts of cooking with me.

As for me, I love that this recipe is so healthy – tomatoes are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, while heavy cream adds a richness without overpowering the other flavors. When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed, making this sauce always makes me feel better – there’s something therapeutic about watching the colors blend together into a beautiful, creamy sauce.

Tomato Cream Sauce

Tomato Cream Sauce

4.6 from 1319 votes

A rich and velvety tomato cream sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or as a base for baked dishes. This sauce combines the acidity of tomatoes with the smoothness of heavy cream for a balanced flavor.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4Pour in the crushed tomatoes and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
5Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6Let the sauce cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
7Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and has a smooth, creamy consistency.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 520mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 10g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Tomato Cream Sauce Works

I always keep some of this tomato cream sauce on hand because it’s such a great idea for any occasion.

Whether you’re having friends over for dinner or just want something comforting after a long day, this recipe never fails.

One of my favorite things about storing leftovers is that they reheat so well – just toss them into a pan with some pasta or meatballs and you’ve got yourself a delicious meal in no time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tomato Cream Sauce

Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

No, I highly recommend using fresh tomatoes for this recipe. Canned tomatoes can be too acidic and will give your sauce an unpleasant flavor. If you don’t have access to fresh tomatoes during certain times of the year, consider freezing them when they’re in season.

Q: What type of cream is best for this recipe?

I like to use heavy cream because it adds a richness without overpowering the other flavors in the sauce. However, if you’re watching your calories or prefer a lighter consistency, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk.

Q: Can I make this sauce without garlic?

While garlic adds a depth of flavor that I love in this sauce, you can certainly omit it if you’re not a fan. Just be aware that garlic helps bring out the natural sweetness in the tomatoes.

Q: How long does it take to make this sauce?

This sauce comes together quickly – about 20-30 minutes total from start to finish. The longest part is letting it simmer on low heat while everything melds together.

Q: Can I store this sauce in the freezer?

Yes! This sauce freezes beautifully and will keep for up to six months in an airtight container. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q: What are some good ways to serve this sauce?

This sauce is incredibly versatile – try serving it over pasta, with chicken or pork meatballs, as a dip for vegetables or even as a topping for pizza!

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