There’s something so comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta at the end of a long day.
For me, this cream cheese pasta is that kind of hug-in-a-bowl meal.
It’s quick, cozy, and surprisingly elegant for how little effort it takes.
Whenever I need a no-fail dinner that pleases everyone—from picky eaters to pasta purists—this recipe is my go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only 9 ingredients – And you probably have them all.
No heavy cream – Still ultra creamy thanks to the cream cheese.
Easy cleanup – One pot for pasta, one skillet for sauce.
Weeknight-friendly – Ready in 20 minutes, start to finish.
Crowd favorite – Rich, garlicky, cheesy, and full of flavor.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Uncooked pasta – Use any shape you like: penne, fusilli, spaghetti… it’s all good.
Butter & garlic – Classic flavor builders. Don’t skip!
Cream cheese – The star of the sauce, bringing all the creaminess.
Reserved pasta water – This helps thin the sauce and makes it silky.
Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, and essential.
Black pepper & salt – Season carefully, especially since parmesan is salty.
Fresh parsley – Adds a touch of color and freshness.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Don’t let the garlic brown—it turns bitter fast.
Reserve more pasta water than you think you’ll need.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
Warm the cream cheese slightly to help it melt faster.
Taste before adding extra salt—parmesan does a lot of the work.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it well.
Add your pasta and cook until just al dente according to the package instructions.
Before draining, reserve at least 1–2 cups of the pasta water—this is key for the sauce.
Step 2: Start the Sauce
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté very lightly, about 30 seconds, without browning.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese and Water
Lower the heat slightly. Whisk in the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of reserved pasta water.
Continue whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Add the grated parmesan and stir until it melts completely.
Season with black pepper and taste before adding salt.
Once the sauce is silky and flavorful, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the drained pasta into the skillet.
Add chopped parsley and use tongs to mix everything together.
If the sauce feels too thick, splash in more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
What to Serve It With
This cream cheese pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Variations / Substitutions
Protein boost – Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
Veggie upgrade – Add spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
Herb twist – Try basil, thyme, or even a dash of lemon zest for brightness.
Cheese swap – Mix in mozzarella or gouda for a gooey melt.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing—cream cheese sauces tend to separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but the texture might not be as rich or smooth.
What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but long pasta like spaghetti also works.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Do I have to use parmesan?
It adds a lot of flavor, but you can substitute with pecorino or a mix of cheeses.
Can I add milk instead of pasta water?
Pasta water is better since it helps emulsify the sauce, but milk will work in a pinch.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
How do I avoid clumpy sauce?
Whisk constantly and make sure your cream cheese is softened before starting.
Final Thoughts
This cream cheese pasta proves that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make something incredibly comforting.
The sauce is velvety, the garlic adds depth, and the parmesan ties everything together with salty-savory magic.
Whether it’s a weeknight or a last-minute dinner party, this recipe always comes through—creamy, easy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Creamy Garlic Cream Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add cream cheese and 1 cup reserved pasta water.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/creamy-garlic-cream-cheese-pasta/
