Easy Cream Cheese Pasta
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This easy cream cheese pasta offers a delightful twist on classic Alfredo. While sharing a similar flavor profile, this recipe swaps out heavy cream for creamy, tangy cream cheese, resulting in a lighter and more flavorful sauce. The cream cheese not only provides a rich and velvety texture but also adds a subtle tanginess that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
For the best results, I recommend using softened cream cheese from a tub, as its smoother consistency blends seamlessly with the pasta. This ensures that the sauce is evenly distributed and coats every strand of pasta beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to elevate the dish even further, consider using chive and onion-flavored cream cheese. This variation adds a subtle yet delicious herbaceous note, enhancing the overall flavor profile and making the dish even more irresistible.
Additionally, this pasta dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add sautéed vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes, for extra color and nutrients. For a protein boost, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon. The possibilities are endless, making this cream cheese pasta a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the creamy, dreamy goodness of this easy cream cheese pasta!
Ingredients for Easy Cream Cheese Pasta
- PASTA (WHICHEVER SHAPE YOU WANT)
- CREAM CHEESE IN THE TUB
- PARMESAN CHEESE
- OLIVE OIL
- GARLIC
- RESERVED PASTA WATER
- SALT AND PEPPER
- RED CHILI FLAKES (OPTIONAL)
Instructions for Easy Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve at least one cup of the cooking water. Set this aside for later use.
Prepare the Sauce: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil over low heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and, if desired, a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. Cook the garlic gently for about a minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Add cream cheese to the skillet along with about one cup of the reserved starchy pasta water. Stir the mixture until the cream cheese melts and everything combines into a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauce. If the cream cheese pasta sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve: Serve the creamy garlic pasta immediately, drizzling it with a bit of olive oil and garnishing it with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper (or chili flakes, if you like).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese if you prefer a lighter dish. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and creamy as when using full-fat cream cheese.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
You can use any type of noodles you like, but long pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine works particularly well. Short pasta like penne or rotini also pairs nicely with the creamy sauce.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add sautéed veggies like spinach, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them in the skillet before adding the cream cheese and pasta water.
How do I make the sauce smoother?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the skillet. You can also whisk the mixture vigorously to achieve a smoother consistency. Adding more reserved pasta water can help achieve the desired creamy texture.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat them gently before combining. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to help revive the creamy texture.
Can I add protein to the dish?
Yes, you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to the pasta for extra protein and flavor. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it into the skillet with the sauce and pasta.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating?
Reheat the creamy pasta gently over low heat and stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of water or milk can help maintain the creamy consistency.
For more recipes like this, try:
Easy Cream Cheese Pasta
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta linguine, penne, fusilli…
- 1 ½ cups cream cheese in the tub
- ½ cup parmesan grated plus more for serving
- 2 Tbsp olive oil plus more to serve
- 2-4 garlic cloves minced or pressed
- 1 cup reserved cooking water plus more if needed
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4-1/2 tsp chili flakes optional
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Right before draining, reserve at least a cup of the cooking water from the pasta. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, add 1 Tbsp of olive oil and gently cook the garlic (plus a good pinch of chili flakes if you like) for a minute. Use a low heat, do not let the garlic burn.
- Then stir the cream cheese and about 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Stir to combine eveything to make a creamy sauce. Add in the parmesan cheese and stir well.
- Drain and add your pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce, add more cooking water as needed for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper (or chili flakes). Enjoy! Serves 4.
Nutrition
This recipe is adapted from The Clever Meal.
