25 Minute Margherita Pasta (Lightened Up!)
- Preparing Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Served Person: 6
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 4-6 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
- 1/4 onion chopped
- 1 lb spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 6 roma tomatoes chopped (divided)
- 1/2 tsp each dried oregano dried basil, salt
- 1/4 tsp each pepper red pepper flakes
- 2 oz. cream cheese softetned ((i use 1/3 less fat))
- 1/4 cup loosely packed basil chopped
- fresh basil chiffonade
- Carbohydrate 13.5837830627989 g
- Cholesterol 47.570597236563 mg
- Fat 17.138334032787 g
- Fiber 1.71987506318129 g
- Protein 14.6739581985129 g
- Saturated Fat 9.52839955837355 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 serving (350g)
- Sodium 784.073722248927 mg
- Sugar 11.8639079996176 g
- Trans Fat 1.46572402817815 g
- Calories 263 calories
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 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.
