Description
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti invites pasta enthusiasts on a delightful culinary journey through Italian-inspired comfort. Subtle garlic notes and rich parmesan create a luxurious experience you’ll savor with every delectable twirl of noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
Cheese:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 ounces/400 grams) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until perfectly tender with a slight bite, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Introduce minced garlic, gently sautéing for one minute until aromatic, vigilantly preventing any burning.
- Pour tomato sauce into the skillet, incorporating oregano and optional red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Allow mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, developing rich flavors.
- Lower heat to minimum. Integrate cream cheese, stirring until completely dissolved. Gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, creating a silky, smooth consistency. Utilize reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if necessary.
- Transfer drained spaghetti directly into sauce, methodically coating each strand. Taste and refine seasoning as desired, ensuring harmonious flavor distribution.
- Elegantly plate the pasta, adorning with freshly torn basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan. Serve piping hot for optimal taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Pasta Water Magic Save the starchy pasta water as a secret weapon to help sauce cling perfectly and create a silky, smooth texture.
- Garlic Caution Watch garlic closely while sautéing to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter and harsh.
- Cheese Melting Technique Add Parmesan and cream cheese gradually and off direct heat to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce without separation.
- Dietary Adaptations Swap regular pasta for gluten-free versions, use lactose-free cream cheese, or include plant-based Parmesan for alternative diet needs.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg