Quick and easy Cream Cheese Noodles is a creamy, cheesy, and tasty recipe you should not miss to try if you are a pasta lover. The magic of noodles combines with creamy, cheesy sauce, creating the ultimate comfort food.
Creamy cream cheese noodles are served alone or with added vegetables or meat. It’s a timeless mouth-watering dish loved by all ages. Easy, flavorful, and irresistible as you toss the pasta in the creamy sauce.
Make this pasta with 7 ingredients, ready in 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and brings comfort and joy. The cheesy goodness will surely lift your mood.
Why Use Cream Cheese in Pasta?
Cream cheese is an excellent addition to pasta. When it’s mixed with garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper for a creamy Alfredo-like sauce. Kids who dislike tomato sauce will enjoy this simple cream cheese spaghetti.
INGREDIENTS
- Dry spaghetti – 16 ounces
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, minced – 2 to 3
- Cream cheese, room temperature, cut into cubes -8 ounces
- Grated parmesan cheese – ¼ cup
- Cooking water + more if needed – ⅔ cup
- Salt to taste
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
- Cracked black pepper,
- Red pepper flakes or chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CREAM CHEESE PASTA?
BOIL NOODLES OR PASTA
- Follow the instructions on the pasta package to cook the spaghetti of your choice. Remember not to drain it just yet.
CREAM CHEESE SAUCE FOR PASTA
- Meanwhile, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is heated, add the garlic to the skillet and let it cook for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the cream cheese to the skillet along with ½ cup of the water used for cooking the pasta.
- Whisk the cream cheese and water together until they are well combined, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese, and then taste the sauce for salt and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. I usually add very little salt since the parmesan tends to be salty enough for my taste. Additionally, if you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add more water until you achieve your desired consistency.
TOSS PASTA WITH CREAM CHEESE SAUCE
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it properly and return it to the pot.
- Now, pour the creamy cheese sauce over the spaghetti and carefully toss everything together until the sauce is evenly distributed.
Garnishing & Serving
- For an extra touch, garnish the dish with a crack of black pepper and some chopped parsley, if desired. Now your delicious spaghetti is ready to be served and enjoyed!
Tips for Perfectly Creamy Pasta
- Be cautious with the garlic, sauté for 30 seconds only. Watch closely to prevent burning. When garlic smells fragrant, add cream cheese and pasta water to the pan.
- Taste the cream cheese sauce and adjust with salt and pepper until you’re satisfied with the flavor. For a thinner sauce, add more pasta water.
- Use pasta water instead of regular water for better flavor and to make the sauce stick to the spaghetti.
- Cut cream cheese into cubes for easier incorporation into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Add Meat: Enhance pasta with meatballs or shrimp!
Add Veggies: Make it cheesy with broccoli or asparagus for kids.
Serve with Garlic Bread: Enjoy with Easy Garlic Bread Bruschetta.
Top with Crumbled Bacon: Add a savory crunch with crumbled bacon.
FAQs
Yes, you can experiment with flavored cream cheese to add an extra layer of taste to your dish. Flavors like garlic and herbs can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay good for 2-3 days.
When you reheat your pasta, I recommend adding a little bit of water to keep the sauce nice and creamy.
You can reheat your cream cheese spaghetti on the stove or in the microwave.
Cream Cheese Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a refreshing side salad or garlic bread for a delightful dining experience.
RECIPE CARD
CREAM CHEESE PASTA
Equipment
- Stove
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Spaghetti
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 to 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, room temperature, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup Grated parmesan cheese
- ⅔ cup Cooking water + more if needed
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh ground pepper, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and/or chopped fresh parsley, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Follow the instructions on the pasta package to cook the spaghetti of your choice. Remember not to drain it just yet.
- Meanwhile, heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is heated, add the garlic to the skillet and let it cook for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Now, increase the heat to medium-high and add the cream cheese to the skillet along with ½ cup of the water used for cooking the pasta.
- Whisk the cream cheese and water together until they are well combined, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
- Gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese, and then taste the sauce for salt and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. I usually add very little salt since the parmesan tends to be salty enough for my taste. Additionally, if you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add more water until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it properly and return it to the pot.
- Now, pour the creamy cheese sauce over the spaghetti and carefully toss everything together until the sauce is evenly distributed.
- For an extra touch, garnish the dish with a crack of black pepper and some chopped parsley, if desired. Now your delicious spaghetti is ready to be served and enjoyed!