Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz spaghetti

→ Sauce Base

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce

→ Cheese and Seasonings

05 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
08 - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
09 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Garnish

10 - ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
11 - Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Add tomato sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer 3-4 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted. Gradually add Parmesan, stirring until smooth. Thin with pasta water if needed.
05 - Toss cooked spaghetti with sauce until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot.

# Notes:

01 - Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting
02 - Watch garlic carefully to prevent burning
03 - Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency

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