Cream Cheese Pasta

Cream Cheese Pasta

from insanelygoodrecipes.com
20 min

This cream cheese pasta is the ultimate comfort food! It's creamy, indulgent, and ready in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. 1

    Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

  3. 3

    Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk until the cream cheese melts into a smooth and creamy sauce.

  4. 4

    Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta, adding more reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin out the sauce as needed until it reaches your desired consistency and nicely coats the pasta.

  5. 5

    Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

  6. 6

    Serve the cream cheese pasta immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Enjoy!