Description

This cream cheese pasta delivers indulgent comfort in under 30 minutes, combining garlic butter, melty cream cheese, and Parmesan into a rich, silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. It’s fast, flexible, and made with pantry staples.

Ingredients

1 pound pasta (fettuccine or linguine)

4 tablespoons butter

3 cloves garlic, minced

8 ounces full-fat cream cheese

1 cup reserved pasta water

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned.

3. Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it begins to melt.

4. Slowly add pasta water, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Use more or less to adjust consistency.

5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is glossy.

6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat each strand evenly.

7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

8. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top if desired.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and richness.

Don’t skip the pasta water—it’s key for emulsifying the sauce.

Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk or water to restore creaminess.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 620
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: easy pasta, cream cheese pasta, quick dinner