Description
Flavorsome, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti
- 4 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup milk or pasta water (or a mix)
- 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, for a kick (optional)
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once the water is ready, add your choice of fettuccine or spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the noodles; this will help adjust the consistency of the sauce later. After draining, set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is bubbling and fragrant, add in the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s golden and aromatic but be careful not to let it burn as that can give it a bitter taste.
- After the garlic has cooked down, add the softened cream cheese to the skillet. Gradually whisk in either the reserved pasta water or milk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial as you want a velvety texture that will coat the pasta beautifully. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer gently; it should thicken just a tad. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your taste.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each strand is well coated. If the sauce appears too thick, drizzle in a bit more of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The starchy water will help the sauce adhere wonderfully to the pasta.
- Once your pasta is beautifully coated in the creamy sauce, it’s time to serve! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little heat. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Cream Cheese Pasta!
Notes
For best results, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before use to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Protein: 17 g