Garlic Mozarella Margherita Pasta
25 Minute LIGHTENED UP Margherita Pasta bursting with fresh tomatoes and basil in a garlic, mozzarella Parmesan sauce! your favorite Margherita pizza in creamy pasta form!
Servings 6 -8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb. spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 onion, chopped
- 6 Roma tomatoes, chopped, divided
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp EACH dried oregano, dried basil, salt
- 1/4 tsp EACH pepper, red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softetned (I use 1/3 less fat)
- 1/4 cup loosely packed basil, chopped
Garnish
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil, chiffonade
Optional Chicken Ideas
- 1 recipe Italian Chicken Marinade
- 1 recipe All-Purpose Grilled Chicken Mariande
- 1 recipe Lemon Basil Chicken
- 1 recipe Balsamic Chicken
Instructions
- Cook pasta al dente according to package directions in generously salted water. Remove 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Melt butter in olive oil over medium-low heat in a large skillet. Increase heat to medium and add onions and HALF of the tomatoes and sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and cook while stirring for 2 minutes (it will be thick).
- Turn heat to low then slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Turn heat to medium high and bring the sauce to a simmer. Stir in chicken bouillon, spices and continue to simmer until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, followed by mozzarella cheese until melted, followed by cream cheese until melted.
- Stir in remaining tomatoes and fresh basil. Stir in pasta until well coated, adding additional reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan Cheese and additional basil if desired.