There’s nothing quite like a warm, velvety creamed tomato recipe to bring comfort to your table. Whether you’re craving a cozy bowl of cream of tomato soup or a rich tomato cream sauce for pasta, this recipe has you covered. I’ve made it countless times—on chilly evenings when only something creamy and nostalgic will do, or when I need a quick, foolproof creamy tomato sauce for dinner. The best part? It’s simple, packed with flavor, and comes together in no time. Ready to make your new favorite go-to recipe? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Some recipes just have that magic touch—and this creamed tomato recipe is one of them. It’s rich, velvety, and full of deep, comforting flavors. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, whether you’re enjoying it as a cream of tomato soup on a chilly night or drizzling it over pasta for a luscious creamy tomato sauce.
What makes it so special? It’s the perfect balance of tangy tomatoes and silky cream, creating a tomato cream sauce recipe that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Plus, it’s versatile—use it as a base for a hearty creamy marinara sauce, mix it into a creamy spaghetti sauce, or enjoy it simply with crispy bread for dipping. And the best part? It’s effortless to make, coming together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of simple ingredients.
So whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a soul-soothing bowl of goodness, this cream tomato pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this creamed tomato recipe is how simple the ingredients are. You probably have most of them in your kitchen already! Every ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Tomatoes – Fresh or canned, these form the heart of your tomato cream sauce. San Marzano tomatoes are ideal for their natural sweetness.
- Heavy cream – This gives the dish its signature velvety texture, making it the perfect creamy tomato sauce or creamy marinara sauce base.
- Onion & Garlic – These aromatics add depth and warmth to the flavor.
- Butter or Olive Oil – For sautéing and adding richness.
- Broth (optional) – If making a cream of tomato soup recipe, a little vegetable or chicken broth helps adjust the consistency.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, basil, and oregano bring out the best in the tomatoes.
- Parmesan (optional) – If you’re using this for a creamy spaghetti sauce, a sprinkle of parmesan adds a delicious umami kick.
Want a twist? Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free option, or blend in roasted red peppers for extra depth. However you make it, this tomato cream sauce recipe is guaranteed to be a keeper. Let’s get cooking.
How to Make Creamed Tomato Sauce (Step-by-Step)
Making this creamed tomato recipe is as easy as it is delicious. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a silky, flavorful creamy tomato sauce that’s perfect for pasta, soup, or dipping. Let’s break it down!
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by melting butter (or heating olive oil) in a pan over medium heat. Toss in finely chopped onion and minced garlic. As they sizzle, your kitchen will start smelling amazing—that deep, warm aroma is the first sign of a great sauce. Cook until the onions turn soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes & Simmer
Now, add your tomatoes. If you’re using fresh ones, chop them up first. If you’re using canned tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes work wonders!), pour them straight in. Let everything simmer gently so the tomatoes break down into a rich, flavorful base. A pinch of sugar helps balance acidity, but it’s optional.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Time for the magic touch! Once the tomatoes are soft, blend the mixture until silky smooth. You can use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer everything to a regular blender. This step is key to that velvety tomato cream sauce texture.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Watch as the deep red tomato base transforms into a gorgeous, silky creamy marinara sauce. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream works beautifully.
Step 5: Season & Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and herbs like basil or oregano. If you’re making a creamy spaghetti sauce, stir in some parmesan for extra richness. Want a soupier consistency? Add a bit of broth for a cream of tomato soup recipe twist.
And that’s it! Whether you’re making a cream tomato pasta recipe or dipping crusty bread into a luscious bowl of marinara cream sauce, this easy, foolproof recipe will be a new favorite. Enjoy.
Variations & Serving Ideas
One of the best things about this creamed tomato recipe is its versatility. Whether you want a cozy soup, a luscious creamy tomato sauce, or something in between, there’s a way to make it your own. Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy it!
As a Pasta Sauce
Toss this silky tomato cream sauce with spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine for an indulgent creamy spaghetti sauce. Add a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh basil for that restaurant-quality touch. Want extra protein? Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta.
As a Soup
Transform this into a comforting cream of tomato soup recipe by adding a little extra broth. Serve it with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate nostalgic meal. Feeling fancy? Drizzle some pesto or swirl in extra cream for a gorgeous, café-style presentation.
As a Marinara Blend
Love marinara but want something creamier? Mix this with a traditional marinara to create a marinara cream sauce—a dreamy hybrid that’s perfect for dipping mozzarella sticks, topping lasagna, or layering in baked ziti.
Add a Protein Boost
This creamy marinara sauce plays well with all kinds of add-ins. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal, sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist, or even a handful of spinach for a fresh, vibrant touch.
As a Dipping Sauce
Don’t forget about the bread! This rich tomato cream sauce recipe is perfect for dipping warm, crusty bread, garlic knots, or even soft pretzels. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to mop up every last drop of.
No matter how you serve it, this cream tomato pasta recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. Have a favorite variation?
Common Questions (FAQ Section)
You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask about this creamed tomato recipe. If I missed anything, drop your question in the comments—I’d love to help!
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but keep in mind that milk won’t give you the same rich, velvety texture as heavy cream. If you want a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk, but expect a thinner consistency. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream works beautifully in this tomato cream sauce recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
This creamy tomato sauce keeps well! Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’ve made a cream of tomato soup recipe, it may thicken slightly when chilled—just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! This creamed tomato recipe freezes like a dream. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove. If the texture seems slightly off, a quick blend will bring it back to silky perfection.
What can I do if my sauce is too acidic?
Tomatoes naturally have some acidity, but there’s an easy fix! A pinch of sugar helps balance the flavors without making the sauce sweet. You can also stir in a bit of extra cream, butter, or even a small pinch of baking soda to mellow things out.
What’s the best type of tomato to use?
For the best flavor, go with San Marzano or Roma tomatoes. Their natural sweetness makes them perfect for a tomato cream sauce recipe. If using canned tomatoes, look for whole peeled tomatoes for the best quality and richness.
Can I make this into a vegan creamy marinara sauce?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream, and use olive oil instead of butter. The result? A luscious, dairy-free marinara cream sauce that’s just as indulgent and satisfying.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
Want a thicker sauce for creamy spaghetti sauce? Simmer it a little longer to let excess liquid evaporate. If you need to thin it out—especially for a cream of tomato soup recipe—just add a splash of broth, milk, or even pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Of course! This creamy tomato sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy pancetta. Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal, or add cooked Italian sausage for extra heartiness.
What’s the best way to serve this sauce?
Oh, so many ways! Toss it with pasta for a dreamy cream tomato pasta recipe, serve it as a soup with grilled cheese, or mix it with marinara for a creamy marinara sauce twist. You can even use it as a dipping sauce for crusty bread or garlic knots.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—your new favorite creamed tomato recipe! Whether you’re ladling it into a bowl as a cozy cream of tomato soup recipe or twirling it into a plate of creamy spaghetti sauce, this dish is one of those rare gems that’s both ridiculously easy and outrageously delicious.
I’ve made this tomato cream sauce recipe more times than I can count—on chilly evenings when only something warm and velvety will do, or on busy weeknights when I need a quick yet satisfying dinner. Each time, I find new ways to tweak it, whether it’s adding a handful of fresh basil for brightness or a sprinkle of parmesan for extra depth. That’s the beauty of this recipe—it’s endlessly adaptable, whether you’re in the mood for a creamy marinara sauce over pasta or a luxurious marinara cream sauce for dipping.
So now it’s your turn! Try it out, make it your own, and let me know how you like to serve it. Do you prefer it as a rich cream tomato pasta recipe, or do you have a secret ingredient that takes it to the next level? Share your twists and tips in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make this recipe uniquely yours.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with the comforting aroma of homemade creamy tomato sauce.