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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Garlic Pasta with Cream Cheese

This creamy garlic pasta with cream cheese is the ultimate quick comfort dish. Made with butter, garlic, cream cheese, parmesan, and fresh parsley, it creates a velvety sauce that clings to every noodle. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound 450g uncooked pasta (any shape)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 8 ounces 225g cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup 250ml reserved pasta water (or water, vegetable, or chicken stock)
  • ½ cup grated parmesan
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Method
 

  1. Boil about 6 cups of water in a large pot.
  2. Once boiling, add salt and pasta.
  3. Cook to al dente.
  4. Reserve 1–2 cups of the pasta water before draining.
  5. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
  6. Add garlic and sauté briefly, about 30 seconds, without browning.
  7. Add cream cheese and 1 cup of reserved pasta water.
  8. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/creamy-garlic-pasta-with-cream-cheese/

Notes

• Use block-style cream cheese for best melting results.
• This recipe works beautifully with fettuccine, penne, shells, or spaghetti.
• For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.