Quick Cream Cheese Pasta

This creamy, cozy, and flavorful pasta is your go-to for a quick and satisfying meal. Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in minutes, it's perfect for busy nights when comfort food is calling. Cream cheese creates a velvety sauce that clings perfectly to pasta, while garlic and parmesan add depth. Easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious!

I first made this cream cheese pasta on a night when my refrigerator was nearly empty except for a tub of cream cheese. What started as a desperation dinner has become my most requested weeknight meal when time is short but we still want something comforting.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb pasta: any shape works beautifully here but I find that shorter shapes like penne hold the creamy sauce in their ridges best
• 3/4 cup cream cheese: the star of our sauce look for full fat Philadelphia style for the creamiest result
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: adds that nutty umami flavor that makes this pasta sing
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: use a good quality one as you'll taste it in the final dish
• 1 to 2 garlic cloves: the aromatic foundation that infuses the sauce with flavor without overpowering
• 1/2 cup pasta cooking water: the secret ingredient that helps create a silky smooth sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste: remember pasta water is already salted
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: optional but adds a pleasant warmth that balances the creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente according to package instructions usually 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should have a slight bite to it as it will continue cooking slightly in the sauce. Before draining remember to reserve about 1 cup of that starchy pasta water its your secret weapon for a silky sauce.

Create the Garlic Base:

While your pasta bubbles away heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add the minced garlic and chili flakes if using and cook gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Keep the heat low to avoid browning the garlic which would make it bitter instead of aromatic. The oil should become fragrant as the garlic releases its essential oils.

Form the Creamy Sauce:

Add the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of that reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and creates a smooth sauce. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce come together and gives it a silky consistency. If the sauce seems too thick add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

Enrich with Parmesan:

Mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. The cheese will melt into the sauce making it even more velvety and adding a depth of flavor that takes this simple sauce to the next level. Keep stirring until you have a uniform glossy sauce.

Combine and Coat:

Add your drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs or a pasta spoon toss everything together thoroughly ensuring each strand or piece is completely coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick add a splash more pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Finish and Serve:

Plate your pasta immediately while piping hot. Finish each serving with a light drizzle of good olive oil another sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a turn of freshly ground black pepper. These final touches elevate the dish from good to magnificent.

Pin it

The secret to this recipe is definitely the pasta water. I discovered its transformative power by accident when I was too lazy to get a separate measuring cup for water one night. That starchy liquid turned what could have been a clumpy mess into the silkiest sauce I had ever made at home. Now I even keep a cup of pasta water aside when making other pasta dishes too.

Storage and Reheating

This cream cheese pasta will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when cold which is perfectly normal. When reheating add a tablespoon or two of water to the pasta and warm it gently on the stovetop over medium low heat stirring frequently. You can also microwave it in 30 second intervals stirring between each until heated through. Shorter pasta shapes like penne or fusilli tend to reheat more evenly than long strands like spaghetti.

Easy Variations

The beauty of this 10 minute cream cheese pasta lies in its adaptability. For a protein boost add cooked shredded chicken grilled shrimp or crispy bacon bits right before serving. Vegetarians can toss in sautéed mushrooms roasted cherry tomatoes or wilted spinach for added nutrition and flavor. For a flavor twist try stirring in a spoonful of pesto sun dried tomato paste or even a dash of smoked paprika. Each variation keeps the quick cooking time intact while creating an entirely new dish.

Serving Suggestions

While this pasta is satisfying on its own I like to serve it with a simple side salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness. A piece of crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up any extra sauce. For a more elegant presentation top the pasta with a few fresh basil leaves a sprinkle of lemon zest or some toasted pine nuts. This humble dish can easily transition from casual weeknight dinner to impressive entertaining fare with just a few thoughtful garnishes.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this dish works well with any pasta shape like spaghetti, penne, or fusilli. Choose your favorite!

→ How do I make the sauce creamier?

Adjust the sauce's consistency by adding more reserved pasta water as needed. This makes it extra velvety.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

You may use mascarpone or ricotta as substitutes, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.

→ What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or your favorite herbs like basil or parsley for a flavor boost.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to refresh the sauce.