Easy Tomato Cream Sauce

If you’re craving a pasta sauce that’s simple yet feels a little special, this tomato cream sauce is just the thing. It starts with sautéed onions and garlic, simmered gently with crushed tomatoes and basil for a flavorful base. Just before serving, a splash of heavy cream turns it velvety and rich without feeling heavy.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve when you’re hosting. Toss it with penne, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape, or use it as a sauce for chicken, seafood, or even gnocchi. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a versatile sauce you’ll want to make again and again.

How to Make This Tomato Cream Sauce

1. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in olive oil until they have a fragrant aroma.
2. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and herbs and let them simmer into a flavorful sauce.
3. Right before serving, add a splash of cream to make it silky and smooth.
4. Toss the sauce with hot pasta and finish with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan.

Recipe Variations

• Add a little heat. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
• Make it cheesy. Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano when you add the cream.
• Go fresh. Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Try a vodka twist. Add a splash of vodka before the cream for a classic vodka sauce vibe.

Serving Suggestions

• Toss with any pasta shape like penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine.
• Serve over chicken breasts, shrimp, or mild white fish for an easy main dish.
• Layer in a baked casserole with gnocchi or vegetables.
• Use as a pizza or flatbread sauce for a creamy, tangy base.

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