Easy Cream Cheese Pasta
This delicious and versatile homemade creamy pasta sauce is a family favorite for dinner! Serve it as a rich side dish or toss in some meat and veggies to make a complete meal. It's quick and easy to make with just a few basic ingredients and your picky eaters will ask you to make it again and again!
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 16 ounces uncooked pasta (any kind)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, Italian, cajun, etc.)
Instructions
- Cook and drain the pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to RESERVE 1-2 cups of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and lightly sauté the garlic for a minute.
- Add the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of pasta water to the pan. Whisk for a few minutes until the cream cheese completely melts and a sauce forms. Do not over cook! It's done as soon as it reaches a sauce consistency without clumps.
- Add the grated parmesan and whisk everything together. Season to taste with salt, pepper, cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, parsley, onion powder, etc. Make it your way! Go easy on the salt as the parmesan is already loaded with salt. I always do a little taste test before adding the pasta.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and use tongs to completely coat with sauce. If it's too thick, you can add a bit more pasta water.
Notes
- This easy pasta recipe can be served as a side dish or main dish! Toss it with the optional meats and veggies of your choice such as sausage, chicken, steak, shrimp, bacon, mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, etc.
- Spice this creamy pasta sauce up with cajun seasoning, cayenne, jalapenos, or red pepper flakes.