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The Best 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 2 reviews

A quick and creamy 10-minute pasta recipe that combines cream cheese, garlic, and parmesan for a luscious, easy-to-make sauce perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish uses simple ingredients to create a velvety textured pasta that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce

  • 1/2 lb (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli…)
  • 3/4 cup (160 grams) cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated parmesan, plus more to serve
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more to serve
  • 1–2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) cooking water, plus more if needed
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type.
  2. Reserve Pasta Water: Just before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water to help create the creamy sauce.
  3. Prepare Garlic and Chili: While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over low flame. Gently fry the minced garlic along with chili flakes if using, for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not burn to keep a mild flavor.
  4. Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the cream cheese and about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water in the skillet. Mix thoroughly to emulsify the oil, cream cheese, and water into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add grated parmesan cheese and stir well to combine.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat evenly, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a luscious, smooth consistency.
  6. Serve: Serve the pasta hot with a drizzle of good quality olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, extra freshly grated parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper if you didn’t add chili flakes. Enjoy your creamy, comforting pasta immediately.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
  • Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
  • Reserve more pasta water if you want a thinner sauce consistency.
  • The sauce comes together quickly, so have all ingredients ready before pasta finishes cooking.
  • This recipe works well with different short or long pasta shapes.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/the-best-10-minute-cream-cheese-pasta-recipe/