Creamy Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes (undrained)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 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.)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz. thin spaghetti (see notes*)

Instructions

1. 1

   Measure and set out all ingredients prior to cooking. Begin boiling salted pasta water for the spaghetti.

2. 2

   Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.

3. 3

   Add the undrained diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

4. 4

   Reduce the heat to low. Cut the cream cheese into smaller squares and whisk it into the sauce.

5. 5

   Whisk in half of the Parmesan cheese.

6. 6

   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.

7. 7

   Once the pasta is done, drain it and stir it into the sauce.

8. 8

   Serve alongside the remaining Parmesan cheese.