Cheesy Pasta

This is one of those simple recipes that feels comforting the minute you smell it cooking.

A friend shared this recipe with me, and it quickly became one of those easy dinners I know everyone in the family will happily eat. It’s creamy, cheesy, full of garlic and basil, and comes together quickly for busy evenings.

INGREDIENTS

12 oz spaghetti

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons crushed garlic

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

4 oz cream cheese

½ cup heavy whipping cream

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

¼ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Pinch of salt

1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil, chopped

½ cup reserved pasta water


Step 1: Cook the spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: In a large skillet, melt olive oil and butter over medium heat.

Step 3: Add the garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and cook for several minutes.

Step 5: Add cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Add Italian seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.

Step 7: Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted.

Step 8: Add fresh chopped basil.

Step 9: Toss the pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 10: Serve warm with extra Parmesan and basil on top.