Description
A delicious and creamy spaghetti dish with a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced, fresh cloves only)
- 14 oz diced tomatoes (don’t drain)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (taste and adjust)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (fresh ground)
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 oz cream cheese (softened, 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 8 oz thin spaghetti (angel hair works too)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil for the pasta. Salt it generously.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add minced garlic and cook for 90 seconds until fragrant and barely golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Add diced tomatoes with their liquid, oregano, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir in chicken broth and tomato paste, making sure the paste dissolves completely.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and liquid to reduce slightly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Cut softened cream cheese into small cubes and add to the sauce. Whisk continuously until completely melted and smooth.
- Add half of the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, whisking constantly to prevent clumps. Reserve remaining Parmesan for serving.
- Cook spaghetti in boiling water according to package directions, minus 1 minute for al dente texture. Don’t rinse after draining.
- Transfer drained pasta directly to the skillet with sauce. Toss with tongs until every strand is coated in creamy tomato sauce.
- Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust seasoning based on personal preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg