This Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that comes together in no time. It’s incredibly creamy, flavorful, and packed with cheesy goodness! This is the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your entire family.
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❤️ Why You'll Love It
- This simple recipe is incredibly easy to make. And it comes together in under 30 minutes!
- It only requires a few simple ingredients so you can have a budget-friendly meal your whole family will enjoy.
- It’s ultra creamy and cheesy thanks to cream cheese and parmesan cheese. The flavor combination is out of this world!
My family loves creamy pasta dishes and this one is perfect for busy weeknights and can be on the table in just few minutes!
📝 Ingredients
Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
🥄 Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.
- In a large pot cook pasta al dente according to package directions reserving 1 cup of the pasta water aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat add olive oil and butter and when butter melts add garlic and saute until fragrant about 30-45 seconds.
- Add ½ cup of the pasta water then reduce heat and whisk in cream cheese and parmesan cheese. And, then season the cheese sauce with dry basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add spaghetti to the cheese mixture and toss to coat.
💡 Amira's Tips
- Make sure that you check your package directions for the timing of your pasta. Each brand has different cooking times.
- Using room temperature cream cheese works best for this skillet recipe because the cream cheese will melt easier and give you a smooth sauce.
- It is best to grate your Parmesan cheese yourself. Using store bought parmesan cheese might result in a grainy sauce.
- Do not skip the pasta water step and use regular water, they are not the same. Starch in pasta water helps sauce stick to the pasta and helps to thin out the cream cheese.
- I like using full-fat cream cheese, like Philadelphia brand as it makes the sauce rich and creamy.
🧺 Storage
- Although this dish is best served on the same day but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave with a little milk.
⌛ Make Ahead
You can make this pasta dish ahead by cooking the pasta and sauce separately and mix them just before serving. If the sauce becomes too thick you can add a splash of milk, heavy cream, or even water to thin it out.
🍽️ Serve With
- If you ask me, you can't have pasta without a dish of garlic bread, and this Air Fryer Garlic Bread is my favorite recipe. It's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can also pair this dish with a simple green salad like this Mediterranean Arugula Salad.
- This Chicken Patties Recipe is a winner chicken dinner with any pasta of choice.
👩🍳 Variations
- If you don't have spaghetti noodles on hand, you can swap it out for any type of pasta that you have. I think thin noodles or spiral noodles work best for this recipe.
- Add more flavor to your sauce by adding your favorite seasonings, Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, or even a dash of cajun seasoning would well in this pasta dish.
- Are you a fan of spicy foods? You can add some heat to this simple dish by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cream cheese sauce.
- Add some leftover cooked chicken after finishing the sauce and before mixing in the pasta to reheat the chicken with the sauce and make them juicy.
- Mix in some peas, spinach, broccoli or any vegetables you like.
💬 FAQs
I've found that using a skillet over the stove top over medium is the best way to reheat it. However, you can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 1 minute. Add a splash of milk or water to thin the sauce out if needed.
Due to the dairy in this pasta, I don't recommend freezing it. Don't worry though, as good as this pasta tastes it won't last long in your house!
Full-fat cream cheese will give you the texture and flavor of your sauce, however, you can use the low-fat instead if you prefer.
📣 Related Recipes
- Baked Feta Pasta is a delicious dish made with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta that is sure to please.
- Alfredo sauce is a classic Italian sauce made with butter and Parmesan cheese. However, for those who are looking for a healthier version, this recipe will show you how to make a creamy and delicious Alfredo sauce without cream
- Tahini Pasta is a quick delicious vegan pasta recipe or a side dish. This creamy lemony tahini pasta sauce is a wonderful alternative to the traditional tomato pasta sauce.
- This Shrimp Scampi Without Wine is the perfect recipe to make when you are craving something light yet short on time.
Creamy Pasta Recipes
- You'll love this Panera chicken tortellini Alfredo dinner. Quick and easy and even better Panera's one!
- This Easy Creamy Pasta is a delicious baked pasta recipe that only requires basic ingredients and don't have to worry about spending a lot of money to make it.
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a simple all-one meal that takes less than an hour to make, so it's perfect for busy days.
- This simple Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli is fragrant, buttery and comes together in less than 20 minutes for delicious meatless dinner or side dish.
- Try this tasty Chicken Broccoli Ziti recipe for a filling, flavorful dinner that is full of healthy ingredients and will quickly become a family favorite!
- A hearty and flavorful Meatless Baked Ziti packed with tender pasta, tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness. A satisfying and comforting meatless meal perfect for busy weeknights.
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🥣 Equipment
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Cream Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ pound dry pasta
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 large garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup pasta cooking water
- ¼ teaspoon dry basil
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot cook pasta al dente according to package directions reserving 1 cup of the pasta water aside.
- While pasta is cooking let’s make the sauce.
- In a large pot over medium heat add olive oil and butter and when butter melts add garlic and saute until fragrant about 30-45 seconds.
- Add ½ cup of the pasta water then reduce heat and whisk in cream cheese and parmesan cheese.
- Season cheese sauce with dry basil, salt and pepper to taste.
- Add spaghetti to the cheese mixture and toss to coat.
Notes
- It is better to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before cooking so it melts easily.
- Use the remaining pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- You can pretty much add any spices you like, oregano, Italian seasoning, thyme are among the favorites.
- Please check out the post for more tips and notes.
- Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.
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