This 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick, creamy, and comforting dish that will satisfy your carb cravings in no time. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic, this pasta is budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a fast midweek dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy pasta dish comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the ultimate go-to weeknight dinner. The combination of rich cream cheese, savory parmesan, and a hint of garlic creates a luscious sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, ideal for busy days when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
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½ lb (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape of your choice)
For the Sauce:
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¾ cup (160 grams) cream cheese (preferably tub-style, like Philadelphia)
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¼ cup (30 grams) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
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1 tbsp olive oil, plus more to serve
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1-2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
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½ cup (120 ml) pasta cooking water, plus more if needed
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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¼-½ tsp chili flakes (optional, to taste)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta:
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In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
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Prepare the Sauce:
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While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add minced garlic (and chili flakes, if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Stir in the cream cheese and about ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Mix until a creamy emulsion forms.
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Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir well to combine, creating a smooth sauce.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce:
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Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
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Serve:
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Serve immediately, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper. If you didn’t use chili flakes, you can add more for a slight kick.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 2-3 servings
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
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Spicy Version: Increase the chili flakes for a spicier kick or add some crushed red pepper to the sauce.
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Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for added protein.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of water or pasta cooking water and gently heat in a skillet until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape, whether short or long. Spaghetti is preferred, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle will work just as well.
Can I make this pasta gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
Can I use sour cream instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese provides a specific texture and flavor, you could use sour cream as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, add a bit more pasta cooking water or let it simmer a little longer to thicken.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, use dairy-free cream cheese, nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and ensure your pasta is vegan.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes, you can easily add grilled chicken, bacon bits, or shrimp to this dish for a protein boost.
How long should I cook the pasta?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes for most shapes, depending on the type.
Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
While you can use pre-grated parmesan, fresh parmesan will melt smoother and give a better texture to the sauce.
How spicy is this pasta with chili flakes?
The chili flakes provide a mild heat. You can adjust the amount to your taste, or omit it if you prefer a non-spicy version.
How do I make the sauce creamier?
For a creamier sauce, you can add more cream cheese or pasta cooking water as needed to adjust the texture to your liking.
Conclusion
This 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta is the perfect dish for when you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and quick. With its rich and smooth sauce made from cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Whether you’re short on time or just want an easy, delicious dinner, this recipe will never disappoint!
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10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick, creamy, and comforting dish that will satisfy your carb cravings in no time. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic, this pasta is budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a fast midweek dinner!
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
½ lb (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape of your choice)
For the Sauce:
¾ cup (160 grams) cream cheese (preferably tub-style, like Philadelphia)
¼ cup (30 grams) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 tbsp olive oil, plus more to serve
1–2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
½ cup (120 ml) pasta cooking water, plus more if needed
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼–½ tsp chili flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over low heat. Add minced garlic (and chili flakes, if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Stir in the cream cheese and about ½ cup of the reserved pasta cooking water. Mix until a creamy emulsion forms.
Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir well to combine, creating a smooth sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
Serve:
Serve immediately, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper. If you didn’t use chili flakes, you can add more for a slight kick.
Notes
Quantities: This recipe makes 2 large servings or 3 smaller servings.
Cream Cheese: I use tub-style cream cheese, such as Philadelphia, for the best consistency and flavor.
Seasoning: The pasta cooking water is already salted, so you don’t need to add extra salt to the cream cheese. However, taste and adjust as needed.
Pasta Shape: Spaghetti is preferred, but any pasta shape, whether short or long, will work just fine. Use dried pasta, not fresh.
Parmesan: Finely grate your own parmesan cheese for a smooth melt; avoid pre-grated, sandy parmesan.
Leftovers: Store in the fridge for a couple of days. Reheat with a splash of water and adjust the consistency. Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli reheat better than spaghetti.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
