Cream Cheese Pasta (Print Version)
Velvety cream cheese pasta with Parmesan and garlic. The ultimate 20-minute comfort food made with simple ingredients.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or preferred shape)
→ Sauce Base
02 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
03 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
04 -
1 tablespoon butter
→ Aromatics & Seasonings
05 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 -
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
08 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Garnish
09 -
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water before draining.
02 -
While pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 -
Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Whisk until cream cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
04 -
Add drained pasta to skillet with cream cheese sauce. Toss well to coat pasta, adding more reserved pasta water gradually to thin sauce as needed until desired consistency is reached.
05 -
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
# Extra Tips & Details:
01 -
Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for easier melting and smoother sauce incorporation
02 -
Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well such as penne, fusilli, rotini, or shells
03 -
Reserve pasta water before draining - its starch content helps create silky sauce consistency
04 -
Add pasta water gradually to avoid making sauce too thin
05 -
Serve immediately for best texture and temperature