Description
Rich and creamy, this pasta is coated in a velvety cream cheese sauce that’s perfectly seasoned. A quick and comforting dish that’s indulgent, yet easy to prepare—ideal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Pasta:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are great options)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
- Cooked chicken breast or shrimp for added protein
- Roasted vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers
- Bacon or pancetta for a savory crunch
- Red pepper flakes for a hint of spicew
Instructions
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches al dente (firm but tender). Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, but reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help to adjust the consistency of the sauce later if needed. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Next, add the butter to the pan and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the cream cheese to the pan. Stir the cream cheese into the butter and garlic, using a spatula to break it up and combine it into a smooth mixture.
After the cream cheese has melted, slowly pour in the milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce). Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can gradually add the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
If you prefer, you can also add dried herbs like basil and oregano at this point for extra flavor. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Once the sauce is creamy and well-mixed, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce, making sure it is fully coated. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little more pasta water or milk to loosen it up.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or herbs. If you like a bit of extra flavor, you can sprinkle in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt beautifully into the sauce.
Once the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce, transfer it to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color. A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese will add a rich, salty finish to the dish.
Serve the cream cheese pasta hot, and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-550 kcal
- Fat: 25-28g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Protein: 12-14g