Go Back
Homemade Cream Cheese Pasta photo

Cream Cheese Pasta

This Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick and creamy delight! With just a handful of ingredients, you can satisfy your pasta cravings in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 16 ounces uncooked pasta Choose your favorite type, whether it’s spaghetti, penne, or bowtie.

For the Sauce:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan freshly grated is best
  • 1 tablespoon butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon pepper freshly cracked is ideal
  • 1 cup milk whole milk for creaminess, any type works

Instructions

Directions:

  • Step 1: Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your 16 ounces of uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce
    In a mixing bowl, combine the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded parmesan, 1 tablespoon of softened butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy.
  • Step 3: Add Milk
    Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk while whisking the mixture until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. You can adjust the amount of milk depending on how thick you want your sauce.
  • Step 4: Drain the Pasta
    Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, reserving a cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
  • Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
    In the pot you used to cook the pasta, return the drained pasta and pour the cream cheese sauce over it. Toss everything together on low heat until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
    Serve the Cream Cheese Pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor. Enjoy this creamy delight with your favorite side salad or garlic bread!

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • For added protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken or shrimp.
  • This dish pairs well with a variety of vegetables; feel free to get creative!
  • If you're a fan of spice, adding red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick.
  • Leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave; just add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.