Description
This Garlic Mozzarella Margherita Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, herb-packed dish bursting with the freshness of Roma tomatoes and basil. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal. #GarlicMozzarellaPasta #MargheritaPasta #CreamyPasta
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (⅓ less fat if desired)
- 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh basil, chopped
Garnish:
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chiffonade
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in half of the chopped tomatoes and all of the garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Add chicken bouillon, dried parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, and cream cheese until smooth and melted.
- Add remaining tomatoes and chopped basil, then toss in the cooked pasta until evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce, or low-fat milk to reduce calories.
- For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.
- Fresh mozzarella can be used for added creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 50mg