By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on October 4, 2026

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3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Angel Hair Pasta

Serves 3

440 cal · 15 min

3-Ingredient Creamy Tomato Angel Hair Pasta

Recipe GLPR81f7ce4e025b39

Rate this recipe

Average rating: 4.5 (1)

Italian
Main Course
15 min
440 cal
Servings: 3
SNAP eligible

A quick and elegant pasta dish featuring delicate angel hair tossed in a silky tomato cream sauce. The combination of tangy tomato sauce and smooth cream cheese creates a rich, comforting dish that comes together in minutes. Fresh basil and Parmesan add brightness and depth, while a squeeze of lemon elevates the tomato flavor beautifully.

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Ingredients

9 oz. refrigerated angel hair pasta

1 tbsp Salt for pasta water

1½ cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce

3 oz. light cream cheese, softened

2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves

1 lemon Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

  1. Fill a medium pot with water and add salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.

  2. Add the refrigerated angel hair pasta to the boiling water. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until tender, following package directions. Drain and set aside.

  3. While the pasta cooks, pour the pasta sauce into a smaller pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

  4. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover. Stir in the softened cream cheese until fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.

  5. Add the cooked pasta to the creamy tomato sauce and toss until all noodles are evenly coated.

  6. Divide the pasta among three serving plates. Top each portion with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves to taste. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Comments

Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff4.5

The ingredient list is misleading—it lists three items but actually requires seven, though all are standard Charlotte grocery finds at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, Walmart, or ALDI; you're not making a special trip. The 15-minute claim ignores pasta water time, so budget 18–20 minutes realistically. At roughly $2.50–$3.00 per serving, it lands in midweek comfort-food territory, with cream cheese being the main cost driver. The dish reheats unevenly (cream breaks on standing), so plan to eat it fresh, but the method is truly fuss-free for a weeknight and feeds a small household without technique drama.

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