I was at a restaurant a while back and I ordered an omelet – it came with a rich and creamy tomato sauce on top and plenty of fresh basil. I looooved it! The omelet was good too, but the sauce was spectacular, so I went home and experimented to make this recipe to be served on pasta instead – a thick and creamy tomato sauce.
My family loves it, and it is so easy to make! Unlike regular marinara sauce which often needs to cook for a long time to get a good depth of flavor, this sauce develops a rich and full flavor immediately. I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Tomato Cream Sauce
4 Tbsp. Butter
3-4 Cloves Garlic, Finely Minced
5 Tbsp. Flour
2 ½ Cups Half and half
1 Tbsp. Dried Basil
½ Cup Parmesan Cheese
24 oz. Tomato Sauce
Pasta of choice
Fresh Basil and Mozzarella to garnish (optional)
1- Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, taking care not to burn the garlic.
2- Add flour to the butter and whisk together to make a roux. Allow roux to brown just slightly, continuing to whisk.
3- Slowly add in half and half, whisking continually to thicken. Add Parmesan cheese. Mix in basil. Cook and whisk for about 3 minutes.
4- Once the mixture has reached a creamy thickness, add in tomato sauce. Allow to cook at least 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5- Serve over pasta of your choice (I recommend angel hair pasta!) and garnish with minced fresh basil and mozzarella, if desired.
6- Enjoy! Generously serves 4-6.
This recipe is definitely in my arsenal of quick dinners that can be thrown together at the last minute. And I’m always interested to add more recipes to that category! What do you like to make when you’re running behind on time?
YAY!! I like this recipe! I think I’ll make it soon! :D
If you leave out the cheese and perhaps thin it a little, you’ve basically got a good cream of tomato soup here, too.
An instant dinner at our house is Black Beans and Rice
1-2 cloves garlic, chopped fine
1 T. olive oil
2 cans (15 oz.) black beans, undrained
1 can Rotel tomatoes or Mexican-style tomatoes
cooked rice for serving
optional garnishes: fresh chopped tomatoes, sour cream, shredded or crumbled cheese
In sauce pan, saute garlic in oil for a few moments until fragrant; stir in beans and tomatoes. Simmer a few minutes to blend flavors. Serve in bowls over rice, topped with garnishes as desired.
I’m picturing what this tastes like and am getting hungry! I love this combination of flavors…
mmm sounds super yum, I love quick easy meals
one we love here is Salt and Pepper Calamari (but probably not that accessible in the states)
200g squid rings
2 TBSP flour
Salt and Pepper to taste
Mix salt, pepper, and flour, toss the squid rings though
-heat couple TSBP olive oil in pan, and then sauté for 1-2 minutes
these are great with a salad or roasted tomatoes and veggies.