Description
This 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor from garlic and parmesan cheese. Customize it with your favorite add-ins for a delicious and comforting dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 lb (225 grams) pasta (any shape)
- 3/4 cup (160 grams) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated parmesan cheese, plus more to serve
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more to serve
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta cooking water, plus more if needed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of starchy pasta cooking water.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat.
- Add the minced garlic (and chili flakes if using) and gently cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir until fully combined into a creamy emulsion.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until well mixed and the sauce is smooth.
- Drain the cooked pasta and transfer it to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. Add more reserved pasta water if necessary for a creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of olive oil, extra parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper.
Notes
- Use starchy pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Cook garlic over low heat to prevent burning.
- Use fresh cream cheese and parmesan for best results.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Toss the pasta thoroughly in the sauce for even coating.
- Avoid using cold cream cheese; let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Always reserve enough pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency.
- Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente.
- Avoid pre-grated parmesan as it may not melt smoothly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water for best results.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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