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10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

A quick and creamy 10-minute pasta dish featuring a luscious cream cheese sauce enhanced with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of chili flakes. This recipe blends the richness of cream cheese with the savory depth of parmesan and the aromatic kick of garlic, making for a comforting and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1/2 lb (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli…)

Sauce

  • 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, or according to taste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes depending on the type.
  2. Reserve Cooking Water: Just before draining, save 1 cup of the starchy pasta water; this will help create the sauce.
  3. Prepare Garlic and Chili: While the pasta cooks, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Gently fry the minced garlic along with a pinch of chili flakes if using, for 2-3 minutes, ensuring the garlic does not brown or burn to retain its delicate flavor.
  4. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: Add the cream cheese to the skillet and stir in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir continuously to combine the olive oil, cream cheese, and water, creating a smooth and creamy emulsion. Mix in the grated parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
  5. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly, adding more cooking water if necessary to achieve a luscious, creamy consistency.
  6. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper if you opted out of the chili flakes. Enjoy your creamy, comforting pasta!

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
  • Reserve more pasta water if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Garlic should be cooked gently on low heat to prevent bitterness.
  • Parmesan adds a salty depth, but can be substituted with pecorino romano if desired.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the chili flakes according to taste.
  • This sauce pairs well with various pasta shapes; choose your favorite.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/10-minute-cream-cheese-pasta/