This Cream Cheese Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 20 minutes. The creamy sauce, made with cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, and a touch of heat, perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Simple to prepare and absolutely indulgent, this dish is sure to become a weekly favorite. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with additional veggies and protein, it’s a quick, satisfying meal that brings joy with every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened and cubed

• 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Reserved pasta water, as needed

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining.

2. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until the cream cheese melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.

4. Toss the Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it well in the creamy sauce. Add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.

5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: ~400-450 kcal (depending on the pasta and added ingredients)

• Fat: ~20g

• Carbohydrates: ~50g

• Protein: ~10g

• Sodium: ~500mg

• Fiber: ~2g

Why This Pasta is So Irresistible

The beauty of Cream Cheese Pasta lies in its simplicity and indulgence. The creamy sauce, made with a blend of cream cheese and Parmesan, is a comfortingly rich base for any pasta. When combined with a touch of garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, the sauce gains depth and a slight kick, transforming the dish from a basic pasta recipe into something indulgent and satisfying. The richness of the cream cheese perfectly balances the saltiness of the Parmesan, creating a harmonious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.

The Pasta: Choosing the Right Shape

For this dish, any pasta shape works well, but penne or fusilli are especially great choices. Penne’s tube shape allows the sauce to cling to the inside of each piece, ensuring every bite is full of creamy goodness. Fusilli’s spiral shape also does an excellent job of trapping the sauce, making it a satisfying choice. Ultimately, the shape you choose depends on your personal preference, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand.

Making the Creamy Sauce

The key to the velvety, smooth sauce lies in the combination of cream cheese and Parmesan. Once the garlic has been sautéed in butter, the cream cheese and a bit of reserved pasta water are added to the pan. The cream cheese melts into a smooth, creamy consistency that forms the foundation of the sauce. The Parmesan then enriches the sauce with a sharp, salty note that balances the creaminess of the cream cheese.

Italian seasoning brings a delightful mix of herbs to the dish, enhancing the savory flavors of the sauce. For a touch of heat, red pepper flakes are added, although this step is optional depending on your spice tolerance. The sauce is finished with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, making the flavors pop.

Tossing the Pasta

Once the sauce is ready, the cooked pasta is added to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce, making sure every piece is coated in the luscious mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, simply add a little more of the reserved pasta water, which is starchy and perfect for thinning the sauce while helping it stick to the noodles.

Customizing the Dish

While this Cream Cheese Pasta is delicious on its own, it is highly customizable. You can add extra vegetables to the dish for more flavor and nutrition. Sautéed spinach, roasted tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms are excellent choices that complement the creamy sauce without overpowering it. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon. These proteins will add texture and flavor, transforming the pasta into a more substantial dish.

Serving the Pasta

This Cream Cheese Pasta is best served immediately after it’s made, while the sauce is still creamy and smooth. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan for added richness and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, vibrant touch. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper can also add an extra layer of flavor, giving the dish a nice finishing touch.

Nutritional Considerations

Cream Cheese Pasta is a hearty dish with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Each serving contains around 400-450 calories, depending on the pasta type and any added ingredients. The dish has approximately 20g of fat, much of which comes from the butter and cream cheese, contributing to the rich, creamy texture. While it is not a low-fat dish, it provides a satisfying, comforting meal that’s sure to curb cravings. The pasta also offers a good amount of carbohydrates (around 50g per serving) for energy, making it a great choice for a filling meal.

If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can try using lighter cream cheese or reduce the amount of butter used. You can also opt for a whole grain or gluten-free pasta for added fiber and nutrients.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Pasta is the perfect quick, satisfying, and indulgent meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. With its creamy, savory sauce and endless customization options, it’s a dish that can easily become a weekly favorite. Whether you prefer it with added veggies, proteins, or just as it is, this simple yet delicious pasta will bring joy to your dinner table. Give it a try the next time you’re craving comfort food, and you’ll see why this easy recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.