Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

5 from 2 votes

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If you're short on time but still want to whip up a quick and tasty pasta dish, give Cream Cheese Pasta a try. It's absolutely delicious! Using just 6 basic ingredients, this creamy recipe is ready in the time it takes to cook the pasta!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Servings:

Author: Marcellina

Ingredients

16 ounces (450 grams) spaghetti (See note 1)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
8 ounces (225 grams) full-fat cream cheese (( Philadelphia type))
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ((Parmigiano Reggiano cheese))
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
chopped parsley

Instructions

Let's start preparing the pasta, pour water into a pot, put on the stove and bring to a boil. As soon as it starts to boil, add salt and the pasta, cook it according to the time indicated on the package and in any case al dente.
In the meantime, pour the extra virgin olive oil into a pan. Then peel and mince the garlic into the oil.
Place the pan over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant.
When the garlic starts to smell really delicious, just a minute or so, scoop up ⅓ cup of pasta water and add to the oil and garlic in the pan.
Add the cream cheese and stir to melt the cheese.
Add the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (Parmesan cheese), salt, and black pepper and mix to amalgamate.
Drain the pasta, reserving 2 cups or so of the pasta water (or all of the pasta water).
Add the cooked pasta to the cream cheese sauce. Stir well to combine and add as much reserved pasta water as necessary to create a smooth and creamy sauce. You may need to add 2 cups or more of the pasta water.
Remove from the heat and add a sprinkling of chopped parsley.
Serve the pasta very hot with more finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Notes

For best results use high-quality dried pasta made with durum wheat flour.

Tips for Success

Start boiling your pasta water first. While it's heating up, gather your ingredients and prepare the sauce.
Add minced garlic to a cold pan to prevent burning.
Allow the cream cheese to melt slowly and stir continuously.
Always taste your food and adjust seasonings as needed.
Cook pasta until al dente, and reserve some pasta water for a creamy sauce.

Nutrition