If you’re in the mood for a quick and creamy pasta dish, this is the perfect recipe for you.
With just a few simple ingredients,
this creamy cream cheese pasta sauce is ready in under 20 minutes,
making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a flash.
Get ready to indulge in a rich, velvety sauce that coats your pasta perfectly!
For Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
- Pasta – the base of the dish. Any pasta shape works well, from spaghetti to penne or fusilli.
- Butter – melted in the pan to sauté the garlic and start building the sauce’s rich flavor.
- Garlic – minced garlic adds aromatic depth and classic savory flavor to the sauce.
- Cream Cheese – the key ingredient that makes the sauce thick, creamy, and velvety. Make sure it’s softened so it melts smoothly.
- Reserved Pasta Water – used to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly thanks to the starch in the water. You can also use vegetable or chicken stock.
- Parmesan Cheese – grated Parmesan adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Black Pepper – gives the sauce a gentle kick and balances the creaminess.
- Salt – added to taste, depending on how salty your Parmesan cheese is.
- Fresh Parsley – chopped parsley adds a fresh, bright finish and a bit of color to the pasta.
Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
Craving a rich, creamy pasta sauce but short on time? This Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce comes together in just 20 minutes with only a few ingredients, delivering the perfect balance of comfort and flavor.
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Servings: 4
Notes
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) uncooked pasta (any shape)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (250ml) reserved pasta water, or vegetable/chicken stock
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the pasta.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve 1-2 cups of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it brown.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Stir in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of the reserved pasta water.
- Whisk the mixture until the cream cheese melts and blends smoothly into the sauce.
- Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking until it's fully melted and incorporated.
- Season with black pepper and salt to taste, adjusting for the saltiness of the Parmesan.
- Remove the skillet from the heat once the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Toss the Pasta:
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce along with the chopped parsley.
- Use kitchen tongs to mix until the pasta is fully coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Notes:
- Be cautious not to overcook the sauce. Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat immediately.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning, especially with salt, as Parmesan cheese is naturally salty.
Nutrition
Calories: 497 kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g |Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 938 IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 1mg
- Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Whatever pasta you have on hand will work just fine! - Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Definitely! Using jarred or pre-minced garlic can save you time and still deliver great flavor. Just use the same amount as you would fresh garlic. - Is there an alternative to cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute with cream or a thicker yogurt for a similar creamy texture. Just note that the flavor may slightly differ. - Can I add vegetables or protein to this sauce?
Absolutely! You can easily add cooked chicken, or vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make the dish more filling and flavorful. - How do I adjust the sauce’s thickness?
If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little more reserved pasta water or broth to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
