cream cheese tomato pasta recipes

Amanda Recipes January 31, 2025February 1, 2025

Cream Cheese Tomato Pasta Recipes

You might think making a delicious pasta dish takes too long, but cream cheese tomato pasta proves that’s not true. This recipe combines creamy cream cheese with tangy tomato flavors, creating a satisfying meal in just about 15 minutes. It’s simple and uses common ingredients you probably have at home. If you’re curious about how to make this dish and the variations you can try, keep going to discover more details and tips.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this cream cheese tomato pasta recipe, you’ll quickly discover why it’s a favorite for many. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, taking only about 15 minutes. With just a few common ingredients you likely already have, you won’t find yourself rushing to the store. The creamy texture from the cream cheese blends smoothly with the tomato passata, creating a delicious sauce. You’ll also use pasta cooking water to help thicken and bind everything together. This dish is versatile enough to serve as a main course or a side, and you can customize it with vegetables or proteins to match your taste. Plus, it packs nutrients from tomatoes and pasta, making it a satisfying meal. Additionally, the use of quality ingredients enhances the dish’s flavor, ensuring a delightful dining experience.

History

Pasta has a rich history that reflects the cultural influences and changes in society over the centuries. You’ll find that tomatoes, introduced to Italy by the Spaniards during the 19th century, transformed pasta sauces considerably. Early Italian recipes were simpler, often featuring lighter ingredients, while family gatherings centered around pasta became a cherished tradition. When Italian immigrants arrived in the U.S., they brought these culinary customs with them. Over time, Americans adapted recipes, creating thicker, creamier sauces, as seen in dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo. This evolution highlights how pasta not only serves as a comfort food but also as a cultural connection, preserving traditions and bringing people together across generations and backgrounds, with durum wheat being the key ingredient that distinguishes Italian pasta from other types.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 8oz (225 grams) pasta
– 3⁄4 cup (200 ml) tomato passata
– 1⁄2 cup (120 grams) cream cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 tsp dried or fresh basil
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt, to taste
– Black pepper, to taste
– Optional: chili flakes, for heat
– Olive oil or butter, for sautéing
– Reserved pasta water

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing gently until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in the tomato passata and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Then, add the cream cheese and basil, stirring until the cream cheese has fully melted and combined with the tomato sauce.
Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional chili flakes to taste.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the creamy sauce until it’s well coated. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding more pasta water.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and additional basil if desired. Creamy tomato pasta is a great option for meat-free weeknight dinners or last-minute dinner parties.

Extra Tips:

For an added depth of flavor, consider roasting the tomatoes beforehand or adding spinach for a nutritious boost.

Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go; the balance of salt and acidity is key to a delicious sauce.

If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, making for a quick and easy meal.

Enjoy your creamy tomato pasta!

Final Thoughts

After enjoying a delicious creamy tomato pasta, you might be thinking about how this dish fits into your meal rotation. This recipe isn’t only quick to prepare, taking about 15 minutes, but it also offers flexibility with pasta shapes.

The creamy tomato sauce, made with quality ingredients like fresh basil and full-fat cream cheese, provides a rich flavor. Nutritionally, it’s relatively low in calories but high in fat, making it a comforting choice. Remember to use starchy pasta water for that perfect creamy consistency. Additionally, the sauce is high in fat, which enhances its rich and satisfying taste.

You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. With its easy preparation and delightful taste, creamy tomato pasta can become a staple in your weekly meals. Enjoy experimenting!

FAQ

Have you ever wondered what makes cream cheese tomato pasta so appealing? It’s quick to prepare, usually ready in about 15 minutes, and only requires simple ingredients like pasta, tomato passata, cream cheese, garlic, and basil. To create a creamy sauce, always reserve some starchy pasta water; it helps emulsify the sauce for a smooth texture. You can enhance the flavor with garlic and spices, like chili flakes. For variations, try adding chicken, pancetta, or sun-dried tomatoes. If you prefer a healthier twist, consider incorporating fresh spinach and basil. Additionally, using smaller pasta like rotini can help hold the creamy sauce better. And don’t worry if you need gluten-free options; many brands offer delicious alternatives. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile dish!