Tomato Basil Cream Pasta Sauce
Creamy tomato basil pasta sauce combines rich flavors of butter, cream, and basil, making it perfect for a comforting, versatile dish suited for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in flour.
- Add tomato paste and basil.
- Slowly stir in whipping cream.
- Keep fire at medium temperature.
- Do not allow to boil.
- Serve over any pasta dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of whipping cream. If you want to add some depth, try incorporating minced garlic or sautéed onions. You can also substitute fresh basil for dry basil; just use about three times the amount. This sauce pairs beautifully with Spaghetti Glamerama or can be used as a base for Pizza Tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Tomato Basil Cream Pasta Sauce over your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne. It also makes a great topping for grilled chicken or fish. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or garlic bread, like Pizza Bread Sticks, for a delightful Italian dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato Basil Cream Pasta Sauce contains roughly 1442 calories, with 5g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 155g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just reheat it gently before serving. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken when cooled, so adding a little cream or milk during reheating can help restore its original consistency.
Can I freeze the Tomato Basil Cream Pasta Sauce?
Freezing cream-based sauces can be tricky, as they may separate upon thawing. However, if you want to freeze it, allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to use it, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a bit of cream if needed.
What pasta works best with this sauce?
This cream sauce pairs wonderfully with any pasta shape, but long, flat pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle is particularly good as it clings well to the sauce. For a unique twist, try it with stuffed pasta such as ravioli or tortellini for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).