Cream Cheese Pasta
What makes this cream cheese pasta stand out is how effortlessly creamy it gets without needing a ton of butter or heavy cream.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet or Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Grater
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
- 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup 240ml milk or heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or fresh parsley optional
For the Pasta
- 12 oz 340g pasta of your choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup cooked chicken shrimp, or bacon bits
- 1 cup sautéed spinach mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest using a colander.
- Pro Tip: Save some pasta water—it’s great for thinning the sauce if it gets too thick later.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—don’t let it brown or it will taste bitter.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese in chunks.
- Slowly pour in the milk or heavy cream, whisking continuously to help the cream cheese melt smoothly into the liquid without lumps.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs or fresh parsley if using.
- Pro Tip: Whisk continuously when adding milk to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your desired consistency.
Add Optional Ingredients (If Using)
- If you’re adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed veggies, stir them into the pasta now.
- Let everything warm through for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~480 kcal
- Protein: ~14g
- Fat: ~24g
- Carbohydrates: ~50g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~4g
- Sodium: ~400mg
- Calcium: ~150mg