Creamy Tuscan Pasta Sauce

I was looking for something quick for dinner last week and came across this awesome pasta sauce.  We finally were able to find sun-dried tomatoes at the store this week and made this.  It is so yummy and a different flavor than anything else I make.  Next time we're going to add some chopped chicken and maybe toasted pine nuts.  I ended up halving the sauce and it still was enough for 4 generous portions of pasta.

 Creamy Tuscan Pasta Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press
1/2 tablespoon dried basil
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into 8 pieces
8-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, rinsed, drained and chopped (I wish I chopped mine super fine)
2 cups milk
6 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated (about 2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste, if needed
Diced fresh tomatoes, fresh basil for topping (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium pot or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, taking care not to let the garlic burn. Stir in the dried basil. Add the cream cheese, stirring with a whisk until the mixture is smooth. It will look curdled at first, but with constant whisking for 2-3 minutes, it should come together to form a smooth, creamy paste. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes.
2. Over medium heat, add the milk gradually, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking quickly and constantly until each addition is incorporated fully into the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, pepper and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is the desired consistency, 5-10 minutes. Serve over hot, cooked noodles.

Recipe Source: from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe