Craving a deliciously creamy pasta dish that is both comforting and easy to whip up? Look no further than this Cream Cheese Pasta recipe!
With a few simple ingredients and just minutes of preparation, this creamy pasta recipe is perfect for those busy weeknight dinners when you need something satisfying, fast.
The combination of cream cheese, parmesan, and a hint of garlic creates a velvety, savory sauce that will have the whole family asking for seconds. Let’s get started!
With its rich, creamy sauce and satisfyingly chewy pasta, this Cream Cheese Pasta is a go-to for a reason. This simple yet flavorful dish is going to be a hit with everyone at your dinner table.
Not only is it an easy recipe that’s perfect for those busy weeknights, but it also offers endless possibilities to try new things. So go ahead, try out this recipe tonight, and let the comfort of cream cheese pasta take over!
You probably find that it becomes a new favorite pasta dish in your home. Enjoy!
Common Questions About Cream Cheese Pasta
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses spaghetti, feel free to substitute your favorite pasta. Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work well with this creamy sauce too.
What Kind of Cream Cheese Should I Use?
For the best results, use a block of full-fat cream cheese. Light or spreadable versions may not give the same rich, creamy consistency.
How Can I Thin Out the Sauce if it is too thick?
The starchy pasta water reserved from cooking your pasta is the best way to thin out your sauce. A splash of milk can also work.
Storage
The cream cheese in this recipe really elevates the creaminess of the pasta.
Refrigerator
Cream cheese pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Freezer
While pasta dishes can be frozen, the cream cheese sauce may separate upon reheating. To mitigate this, warm it over low heat and add a splash of milk or pasta cooking water to help emulsify the sauce again.
Tips
Here are a few ideas to give you a leg up when cooking this yummy pasta dish!
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions as it will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
- Reserve some of the pasta water. The starchy water helps to create a smooth and creamy pasta sauce.
- Always season your sauce to taste. The salt and black pepper can really bring out the flavors in this dish.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This ensures it will melt evenly and incorporate smoothly into the sauce.
Ingredients
These will be familiar to any pasta enthusiast. If the cream cheese seems odd, give it a chance. You won’t be sorry!
- Spaghetti noodles
- Olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Butter
- Cream cheese, room temperature
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Cream Cheese Pasta
This recipe is oh-so-simple and is great as a time saver. A great pasta dish doesn’t have to take a lot of effort!
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water prior to draining.
- Meanwhile, add the olive oil and garlic to a skillet over medium heat, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir the butter into the skillet and swirl until melted.
- Then add the cream cheese cubes. Mash the cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet and continue cooking, bringing to a boil, and whisking the cream cheese into a sauce.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese into the sauce, stir to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve the pasta topped with black pepper and additional grated parmesan cheese.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Pasta
Nothing out of the ordinary here. Simple items for a simple recipe!
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Strainer or colander
- Large skillet or non-stick pan
- Cooking utensils (spatula or pasta spoon)
What to Serve With Cream Cheese Pasta
Serve this creamy pasta dish with a simple green salad and some garlic bread on the side. This pasta also pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade. For a more protein-packed meal, consider adding grilled chicken breast or pan-seared shrimp.
Why You Should Make Cream Cheese Pasta
Have you ever thought “How can I make my pasta even more rich and creamy”? Well here is your answer! The one and only Cream Cheese Pasta!
- Quick Dinner: With minimal prep and a handful of ingredients, this pasta dish comes together in no time, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Versatile: This dish serves as a great base for adding a variety of vegetables or proteins. It’s an easy way to make a meal that suits everyone’s preferences.
- Comforting: The combination of creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta is comfort food at its best.
- Great for Leftovers: This pasta dish reheats well and can make for a great pasta lunch the next day!
Variations and Add-Ins for Cream Cheese Pasta
The delicious sauce in this recipe can be changed up to suit your own preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Protein: Chicken breast, shrimp, or bacon can add a great protein punch to this dish.
- Vegetables: Fresh spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added for some extra color and nutrients.
- Spice: Add a bit of fire with red pepper flakes or a generous pinch of chili flakes.
- Herbs: Fresh basil or Italian seasoning can level up the flavor profile.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese in addition to the parmesan for a unique flavor twist.
If you love this easy pasta recipe, you’re going to love these other pasta recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Pasta Recipes
Triple Cheddar Chicken and Pasta
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Cream Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese CUBED – room temperature
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
salt and black pepper – to taste
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water prior to draining.
- Meanwhile, add the olive oil and garlic to a skillet over medium heat, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir the butter into the skillet and swirl until melted.
- Then add the cream cheese cubes. Mash the cream cheese and stir until melted.
- Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet and continue cooking, bringing to a boil, and whisking the cream cheese into a sauce.
- Sprinkle the parmesan cheese into the sauce, stir to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Add the spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Serve the pasta topped with black pepper and additional grated parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
April says
This was so easy and sooooo creamy! Total comfort food.
Beth says
I love how creamy this pasta is with the cream cheese added. It really is the creamiest pasta I’ve ever made. LOVE this sauce.
Sandra says
I’m surprised how this pasta turned out so delicious! So creamy and flavorful!
Catalina says
“I was intrigued by the simplicity of your Cream Cheese Pasta recipe, and it did not disappoint! It was creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious.
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
Always a favorite on our table! I’d love to make this over and over!
Tisha says
I need to make this, it looks so yummy!