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–+ servings
A close-up of creamy tomato basil pasta, topped with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta

This creamy tomato basil pasta is a simple and comforting dish, perfect for a cozy meal. It uses pantry staples to create a rich and flavorful sauce that coats thin spaghetti beautifully. Enjoy a warm, satisfying meal that feels special but is easy to make.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Simmer Sauce 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz thin spaghetti
For the Sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.125 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 Pinch red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 oz softened cream cheese equal to 1/4 cup
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Large pan
  • Pot

Method
 

  1. Measure and set out all ingredients. Begin boiling salted pasta water for the spaghetti.
  2. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and whisk it into the sauce until smooth.
  5. Whisk in half of the Parmesan cheese.
  6. Let the sauce simmer on low, uncovered, while you boil the pasta according to package instructions. Stir the sauce occasionally. If the sauce becomes too thick, cover it.
  7. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and stir it into the sauce until well combined.
  8. Serve the pasta immediately, with the remaining Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

The original recipe mentions thin spaghetti, but you can use other pasta shapes. Adjust the simmering time for the sauce to reach your desired consistency.

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