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20 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!
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25 Minute Margherita Pasta (Lightened Up!)

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!
Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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

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.

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