Pasta with Cream Cheese Basil Sauce

1 pound spaghetti or fettucini
1/4 cup margarine, softened (i.e 4 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons dry basil
2 tablespoons dry parsley
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil or other oil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (I use 1/4 tsp and it needed more)
2/3 cup boiling water

Cook the spaghetti in a big pot of boiling, salted water. While the spaghetti is cooking prepare the sauce. In a big bowl use a fork or a whisk to mash together the margarine, basil, parsley and cream cheese. Mash it until it is smooth and creamy. Add the Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, pepper and salt to taste. Continue stirring it all up until it is creamy again. Now add the boiling water. Use a glass to dip it out of the boiling spaghetti and put it in a measuring cup, (or just dip with a measuring cup). Pour the boiling water in slowly and mix it all up until the sauce is the consistency of thick cream. When the pasta is tender, drain it well, and return it to the pot. Pour the sauce over the cooked spaghetti and toss it all together until it is well mixed. Serve in large bowls with a green salad. Serves 6 or 7.

Source: Frugal & Fabulous

Review: Very easy recipe, and pretty tasty. I probably would add a bit more salt and pepper. I only used 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/8 tsp of pepper. Both the boys and J had seconds, so that is always a sign that it is a winner. Oh, I did add sauteed chicken to it. Pasta with no meat doesn't fly in our house.