Description
Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick and easy comfort food made in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients like cream cheese, butter, and parmesan. This rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner and requires minimal prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt, divided
- 16 ounces spaghetti pasta
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (cut into small bricks)
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Boil 6 cups of water with 2 teaspoons of salt over high heat in a large pot. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water and Drain: Before draining, set aside 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to use in the sauce. Then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat Butter and Oil: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the olive oil to prevent the butter from burning.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the finely minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the remaining salt and ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Simmer with Pasta Water and Melt Cream Cheese: Pour the reserved pasta water into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Add the cream cheese bricks and stir continuously until the cheese melts and blends into a creamy sauce.
- Add Parmesan and Combine: Stir in the shredded parmesan cheese and continue stirring until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to fully coat the noodles with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
Notes
- Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to loosen and create a creamy sauce without using cream.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to make melting easier and avoid lumps.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preference and parmesan saltiness.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds vibrant flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
