Creamy Tomato Sauce
In short: A smooth, silky tomato sauce enriched with cream and a little butter, simmered with garlic and onion in 25 minutes for pasta, chicken and meatballs. It takes about 35 min in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 180 kcal
Creamy tomato sauce, sometimes called pink sauce, softens the sharpness of tomatoes with butter and cream and makes them mild, rounded and very easy to like. It starts with a can of tomatoes, an onion and garlic and is done in about 25 minutes. It coats pasta, gnocchi, meatballs, chicken and baked fish equally well. A little sugar and the cream balance the acidity. Blend it if you want a completely smooth finish.
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic, tomato paste and chili flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until the paste darkens to a brick red.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add the oregano, sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and cook, partly covered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the sauce with a stick blender for a smooth texture, or leave it as it is for a more rustic sauce.
- Stir in the cream and the Parmesan. Heat gently for 2 to 3 minutes without letting it boil hard, until steaming and glossy.
- Taste and adjust with salt or a pinch more sugar. Stir through hot pasta with a splash of pasta water and scatter with basil.
Tips
- Keep the heat low once the cream goes in. Hard boiling can make the sauce split or turn greasy.
- For a dairy-free version, use olive oil in place of butter, plant-based cream or coconut cream in place of dairy cream, and leave out the cheese.
Questions and answers
How long does creamy tomato sauce keep?
It keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge in a covered container. Reheat it gently over low heat and stir in a splash of water if it has thickened.
Can I freeze creamy tomato sauce?
Yes, for up to 3 months, though the texture may be a little less smooth after thawing. For the best result, freeze the tomato base and stir in the cream and cheese when you reheat it.
How much sauce do I need for 450 g (1 lb) of pasta?
About 600 to 700 ml (2 1/2 to 3 cups) coats it well, which is most of this recipe. Use some of the starchy pasta water to loosen the sauce.
How long does it take to make Creamy Tomato Sauce?
About 35 min in total: 10 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Creamy Tomato Sauce?
About 180 kcal per serving, with 5 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 13 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 180 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
