Description
Cream Cheese Pasta is the ultimate quick dinner recipe that brings creamy comfort in under 30 minutes. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, butter, and parmesan, it’s the perfect blend of richness and flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner idea, a family-friendly pasta recipe, or a delicious side for your next gathering, this dish checks all the boxes. Great for busy nights, comforting meals, or cozy weekends, it’s a must-try food idea you’ll make on repeat.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
4 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup milk or pasta water (or a mix)
0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Red pepper flakes, for a kick (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add softened cream cheese and gradually whisk in milk or pasta water until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to simmer slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Always bring the cream cheese to room temperature to avoid lumps.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother melt and richer taste.
Reserve pasta water—it helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg