Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal that's incredibly easy to make? This Pasta with Cream Cheese and Fresh Tomatoes is about to become your new favorite go-to dinner! Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with the bright, fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes and aromatic basil. In just 25 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish that looks like it took hours to prepare – but our secret recipe makes it a breeze!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups fresh tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of pasta, 8 oz of cream cheese, 2 cups of fresh diced tomatoes, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the diced fresh tomatoes to the skillet with the garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are softened and release their juices.
- Once the tomatoes are cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the tomato mixture, creating a creamy sauce.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy tomato sauce. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick. You want it to coat the pasta nicely.
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the basil is evenly distributed.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your creamy pasta with fresh tomatoes!
Tips
- Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor – garden tomatoes or vine-ripened varieties work best.
- Don't drain all the pasta water! The starchy liquid helps create a silky, smooth sauce.
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat cream cheese and let it melt slowly.
- Fresh basil is key – add it at the end to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor.
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to the dish.
- Make sure to salt your pasta water generously – it's your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
