Creamy Tomato Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
375 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Creamy Tomato Pasta
Description
Creamy Tomato Pasta features a tomato-based sauce enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan for creaminess and subtle tang. The sauce builds flavor starting with sautéed garlic, then combines diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, and dried herbs. Simmering reduces and thickens the sauce while developing savory and slightly spiced notes. Incorporating softened cream cheese off heat smooths the sauce, resulting in a luscious texture that coats thin spaghetti well. The creamy element tempers tomato acidity and lifts the flavor profile.
The finished dish balances the acidity and herbs with the smooth cheese, offering a hearty but not heavy pasta option. Adding extra Parmesan at serving enhances richness and provides a salty contrast. Optional red pepper flakes let you introduce a touch of heat if desired. This pasta pairs nicely with simple sides or a leafy salad when served as a main dish.
To suit personal texture preferences, you can vary the amount of pasta, using less spaghetti for a more sauce-forward dish or more for a drier mix. Sauteing onions before garlic or adding vegetables, cooked meats, or sausage can expand the recipe's complexity and heartiness. Stir the sauce occasionally during simmering and cover if it thickens too much. This recipe gives room for customization while maintaining a creamy tomato signature.
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes undrained
- ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- ½ teaspoon basil dried
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 Pinch red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 oz. cream cheese equal to 1/4 cup, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 8 oz. spaghetti see notes, thin
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 1-2 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 it occasionally, and cover it if it reaches your desired level of thickness.
- Once the pasta is done, drain it and stir it into the sauce.
- Serve alongside the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Adjust pasta amount to control sauce-to-pasta ratio according to your preference.
- Adding sautéed onions before garlic can enhance flavor depth.
- Optional ingredients such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or cooked meats can be added for variation.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 375 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 375kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 27mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 675mg | 28% |
| Potassium | 483mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 541IU | 11% |
| Vitamin C | 16mg | 18% |
| Calcium | 213mg | 21% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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