Garlic Parmesan Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 ounces of spaghetti noodles
→ Base for Sauce
02 -
2 tablespoons of olive oil
03 -
4 minced garlic cloves
04 -
1 can (14 ounces) of tomato sauce
→ Cheese & Spices
05 -
4 ounces of softened cream cheese
06 -
Half a cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
07 -
A pinch of dried oregano (½ teaspoon)
08 -
Tiny pinch (¼ teaspoon) of optional chili flakes
09 -
Salt and black pepper as needed
→ Toppings
10 -
¼ cup of chopped fresh basil leaves
11 -
Extra Parmesan, grated, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Get a pot of salted water boiling. Add the spaghetti and cook until it's just firm to bite (around 8-10 minutes). Scoop 1 cup of the pasta water out and then drain the noodles.
02 -
Warm up olive oil in a big skillet on medium heat. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for about a minute until it smells great, but don’t let it turn brown.
03 -
Pour in the tomato sauce and sprinkle oregano. Add chili flakes if you like some heat. Season it with a bit of salt and pepper, then let it bubble for 3-4 minutes.
04 -
Turn the heat way down. Toss in the cream cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Slowly mix in the grated Parmesan, stirring till silky. If it looks too thick, splash in a bit of that reserved pasta water.
05 -
Toss the spaghetti into the sauce, making sure every strand is smothered evenly. Add more salt or pepper if needed.
06 -
Top each plate with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Enjoy it hot right away!
# Notes:
01 -
Grating fresh Parmesan makes it melt better.
02 -
Keep a close eye on garlic so it doesn’t burn.
03 -
Use saved pasta water to tweak the sauce texture.