Go Back

Creamy Tomato Pasta

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. garlic, minced
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, undrained
  • ½ tsp. dried oregano
  • ½ tsp. dried basil
  • ¼ tsp. salt
  • ⅛ tsp. black pepper
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 8-ounces thin spaghetti, see notes*

Instructions
 

  • Measure and set out all ingredients prior to cooking.
  • Begin boiling salted pasta water for the spaghetti.
  • Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add the undrained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, chicken broth and tomato paste.
  • Let it simmer for about 5 minutes; reduce the heat to low.
  • Cut the cream cheese into smaller squares and whisk it into the sauce.
  • Whisk in half of the Parmesan cheese.
  • Let the sauce simmer on low, uncovered, while you boil the pasta according to package instructions.
  • Keep an eye on the sauce; stir occasionally; cover if it reaches your desired level of thickness.
  • Once the pasta is done, drain and stir it into the sauce.
  • Serve alongside the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Notes

If you use slightly less than a 1/2-pound of pasta, you will enjoy extra sauce.  Feel free to boil 1/2 pound of pasta and add it in gradually until you've achieved the sauce/pasta ratio that you prefer. The pasta continues to absorb the sauce as it stands. Try sautéing a finely diced onion, in olive oil, for 5 minutes at the beginning, prior to adding the garlic. Additional ingredient options include spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers (any color) or cooked sausage or chicken.