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Delicious cozy cream cheese pasta ready in 10 minutes, anyone? This super easy and cheap pasta recipe makes the perfect midweek last-minute meal.
Comfy and filling, It comes together in a flash, it costs about $ 1.20 per serving and the whole family will love it!
The cream cheese sauce is embarrassingly easy to make, but it turns your plain pasta dish into something good.
Mix garlic-infused olive oil, creamy cheese, savory parmesan, and delicious spaghetti. Then add freshly ground pepper or a good pinch of chili flakes, and an extra drizzle of olive oil to boost the flavor!
This was one of my go-to recipes when I was at uni, and it was so popular with my flatmates!
Easy peasy, but totally satisfying and perfect for your carb cravings, especially when you run out of time or money.
Good things don’t get much easier than this!
WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS RECIPE
- Whole grain or regular pasta
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Chili flakes (optional)
- Salt & pepper
HOW TO MAKE CREAM CHEESE PASTA?
(Full recipe at the bottom of the page)
- Cook your pasta until al dente
- Saute’ garlic in olive oil until fragrant
- Add cream cheese, pasta cooking water, parmesan, and stir well
- Drain and add pasta to the skillet
- Toss until well combined, adding some pasta water if needed
- Serve with extra parmesan cheese, black pepper and a good drizzle of olive oil.
- Enjoy!
RECIPE NOTES & QUESTIONS
This cream cheese pasta couldn’t be easier and cheaper: you need only and a few basic ingredients, 10 minutes of prep time, and approximately $1.20 per servings.
Plus, this is a delicious bowl of whole-grain spaghetti tossed in a cream cheese sauce and drizzled with olive oil.
It’s a homemade pasta dish, not canned sauces or canned noodles!
IS PASTA HEALTHY?
YES. Pasta is definitely part of a healthy diet, as long as it’s eaten in moderation.
And If you switch to whole-grain pasta you’ll get more natural fiber and micronutrients than white pasta.
I love whole grain pasta, and I try to sneak into my meals as much fiber as I can.
HOW TO MAKE THIS CREAM CHEESE PASTA TASTE SO GOOD?
First things first, ingredients matter.
Pasta
I’m Italian and, needless to say, I grew up eating pasta and I take the whole thing quite seriously ; ).
First things first, pasta brand matters, and when you chose pasta, have a proper look at the label and go for durum wheat semolina pasta, possibly made with brass or bronze dies.
Spaghetti or another short type of pasta like fusilli or penne work very well, but please: cook it until al dente!
Cheese
Yes, cheese helps! Good cream cheese mixed with some savory parmesan makes a delicious and quick sauce for your pasta. It’s also important to save some of pasta cooking water which is full of starch and contributes to the creaminess of the final sauce.
Flavor
Gently saute garlic in olive oil over a low flame, so the flavor of the garlic has a chance to infuse the oil.
If you’re not feeding children, I would suggest adding a good pinch of chili flakes for a little extra kick. And serve with good olive oil or extra virgin olive oil and freshly ground black pepper!
CAN I ADD OTHER INGREDIENTS?
YES, feel free to customize! This is a terrific versatile pasta recipe, which means that you can add your vegetables or protein of choice.
You can add whatever sauteed or roasted veggies such as:
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Zucchini
- Peppers
- Peas
Or you simply can add fresh raw ingredients that work so well alongside the cheesy pasta and make a lovely and balanced meal:
- Arugula
- Basil
- Cherry tomatoes
If you fancy a not vegetarian option, you can add:
- Ham
- Grilled chicken breast
- Grilled or smoked salmon
- Prawns
- Bacon
- Sausage
Sometimes, I add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and artichokes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
Yes, the sky is the limit!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS CREAM CHEESE PASTA?
You can make a super fast and refreshing vegan salad like an Italian tomato and cucumber salad or a protein-packed Mediterranean tomato, bean and tuna salad.
If you enjoy this super quick yummy cream cheese pasta, be sure to check these 10-minute pasta recipes:
- raw cherry tomato pasta,
- pasta salad with tuna
- spaghetti with garlic and olive oil
- spinach and ricotta spaghetti
If you make this recipe or if you have a question, let me know! Leave a comment or rate it : )
I would love to hear from you! x
10-MINUTE CREAM CHEESE PASTA
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli...)
- 3/4 cup (160 grams) cream cheese*
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated parmesan, plus more to serve
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more to serve
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cooking water, plus more if needed
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4-1/2 tsp chili flakes, or according to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Right before draining, reserve a cup of starchy pasta water.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet warm 1 Tbsp of olive oil and gently fry the garlic (plus a good pinch of chili flakes if you like) for 2-3 minutes. Use a low flame, do not let the garlic burn.
- Then stir the cream cheese and about 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water. Stir to combine oil, cream cheese, water and create a nice and creamy emulsion. Add parmesan cheese and stir well. Your pasta sauce is ready.
- Drain and add your pasta to the skillet. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce, add more cooking water as needed for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Serve immediately with a drizzle of good olive oil or extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper (if you don't use chili flakes). Enjoy!
Thank you for this delicious recipe. I added mushrooms and smoked sausage to it, and it was a hit.
That sounds delicious! Thanks so much for your feedback, Alyssa 🙂
This is wonderful, just enough garlic! Save a little pasta water so you can add it if you have any left over!
I’m glad you liked it, thanks for your comment! 😊
Hello from Malaysia!
I’ve tried to make it and i love love love it very much!!!
I’m so glad you loved it! 😊
This was a very rich dish. I had some fresh spinach so I added that to the dish. I would add mushrooms next time & possibly sausage like Katia did.
It was very delicious!!!!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Rita! Spinach, mushrooms, sausage… sound so good! Thanks x
Thank you for this delicious recipe, it will be a regular at my dinner table!
I’m so pleased you enjoyed it, Zoey! Thanks so much for your rating x
Loved it. I followed the instructions as exactly stated. I didn’t have garlic cloves but I used garlic powder instead and it was amazing and super simple. I made extra sauce and covered some pan fried chicken in it, and served it over the noodles!
Wow, pan fried chicken and creamy spaghetti sound utterly delicious! Thanks so much for your comment, I’m so glad you loved it 🙂
I have massive dietary restrictions, not in calories consumed, but in the kinds of foods I can eat (severe allergies and food intolerances). I’ve been wanting a recipe like this, that is rich and creamy and delicious. I think I’ll make oven roasted Parmesan potatoes and chicken tenders to go with it—love the combo of potatoes and pasta!–and will add sauteed baby Portabella mushrooms into the sauce. MMMMMMMMMMM!!!!
Sauteed Portobella mushrooms into the sauce sound so good, scrumptious! I’m sure you’re going to love it, Joyce 🙂 Thanks for your comment!
Hi there – could you tell me if you use softened block cream cheese or cream cheese found in a tub for spreading on bagels? Thanks!
Hi Rebecca, I used the cream cheese spread in the tub (like Philadelphia, to be more precise) 🙂
I didnt have chili flakes…dont ask…but chili powder in large doses did the trick with some added bacon….just to round out my calorie count during quarantine….I live abroad and trying to not use items that are hard to find or expensive when shopping is difficult and since I had a tub of cream cheese this was the PERFECT recipe…..if you see a contest for best minimum quarantine recipe you should submit…..you got my vote!!
Less is more, especially in this period! I’m so glad you loved it and thanks for your great feedback 🙂
This recipe is delish !
I did add spinach, sliced Porta Bella mushrooms ! This recipe is a real “ comfort food” and paired with home made garlic bread ! Yummy !
Thank you for your lovely feedback, Ellen! 🙂
I cut up wild ramps and put in it. Not only delicious but very colorful! Thanks
I love the idea! 🙂 Thanks so much for your feedback, Lisa x
Why not homemade pasta? I make mine with 50/50 semolina and AP flour. Does it not hold up in the sauce which sounds fabulous. I’m looking forward to trying it on our next pasta night.
Once I used fresh pasta in this recipe and it turned out pretty gooey and heavy, but let me know if you try it, it sounds like you’re pretty good at making fresh pasta! 😉
Made this tonight and it was great. I followed the recipe but added some fresh basil and shrimp! It was a hit with the whole family!
Wow, I love the combo basil and shrimps and I’m so glad it was a hit! Thanks a million for your comment, Wendy 🙂
After draining the pasta and keeping it aside, do you reckon I could make the sauce in the same pot instead of using a pan? Also do you think I could add some peas into the sauce?
Sure, you can drain the pasta reserving some cooking pasta water and then cook the sauce in the same pot. You can add peas when you saute the garlic in olive oil, and let them cook gently with the garlic 😉 Enjoy it!
Are you saying you use cream cheese in the block or do you use the tub? Just a bit confused…
Cream cheese in the tub! (I’ve just realized I misunderstood the word tub in a previous reply). I’m adding a note to the recipe right now, it will be helpful, and thanks so much for your comment! 🙂
Very easy and delicious! I already had all the ingredients but I used the block cream cheese. I will definitely make this again!
Thank you so much, Brenda! Good to hear the block cream cheese worked well x
Used 1 block cream cheese and 1.5 cups pasta water as it’s was kinda thick with just 1 cup. Was delicious and family loved it. Thank you
Thanks so much for your comment, Vic… I’m very pleased that your family loved it 🙂
I haven’t made this yet, but it looks Devine. I was wondering if you think that a can of rotel can be added? Thinking this could be used as base for a “Creamy Chicken Spaghetti” instead of the same old velveeta recipe. Maybe put the rotel through the blender first and just add a little at a time. And also adding pan fried chicken tenders.
Hi Annette, I don’t know how Rotel tastes like, but it’s my understanding it’s canned tomatoes and green chili. That being said, it could potentially work in this versatile recipe, but it’s better if you add a little at a time until you get the right balance in terms of texture and flavor. Thumbs up for pan-fried chicken tenders, delicious in this recipe!
I hope you’ll enjoy it, with or without Rotel 😉
LOVED THIS!! I didn’t have any fresh parmesan so I opted for shredded Mozzarella. I added in chopped cherry tomatoes as well as beef franks and a dash of oregano (my family hates spicy stuff so no chili flakes). Really great recipe for needing a meal in a pinch!
Wow, the addition of mozzarella and cherry tomatoes sounds utterly delicious, thanks so much for sharing, Camila! x
This recipe was so easy and just what I was craving!! I used a block of cream cheese and just cut it up on small blocks, mashed it in with the garlic and pasta water!! Was very thick so could’ve used more pasta water. Served over whole wheat thin spaghetti alongside grilled cod fillets (hubs rubbed the cod filets in the garlic before grilling) and steamed broccoli With fresh lemon squeezed over it on the side!! Not a bit left, hubs devoured it! I thought he’s leave me some since I’d took a little to begin with! HAA Won’t make that mistake next time!! Thanks so much for this Fabulously Delicious Recipe!! ???
That sounds delicious and thanks for sharing your feedback, Carolyn! I’ve never tried the blocks of cream cheese, it’s difficult to find them here in the UK, but I’ll add a note to the recipe about the fact that using a block might require more pasta water.
BTW, I love your comment, next time don’t hesitate to get a double portion! 🙂
Hit at my home,! Added spinach & bacon…extra parm!
Sounds delicious 🙂 Thanks so much for your comment, Marie! x
Wow, how nice it is to have something so simple be so yummy! Perfect meal for our sunny California evening, I added chopped up mushrooms and a few pieces of bacon and a handful of spinach and cherry tomatoes. I more than doubled the receipt for the two growing men I’ve got to feed. Empty plates makes me happy. Thank you Katia…
I’m so pleased for the empty plates, Tracey! Your comment made my day 🙂
Could I add shrimp, or would it give it a whole different taste?
Hi Esmeralda! Shrimps will add another layer of flavor, but it works well in this recipe: shrimps, creamy sauce, spaghetti… sounds good 😉
I definitely love the recipe! I wanted to try it so bad and fast that I used processed cream cheese I found at home. DO NOT recommend. The brand I used was Puck cream cheese, It tasted horrible!
The second I placed the cream cheese it started producing oils and smelling very strange, literally like melted plastic.
I’m looking forward to trying the recipe once more ,using Philadelphia cream cheese this time. 😅
Thank you for your helpful comment, Ragad! Your right, the brand matters, especially when a recipe requires just a few ingredients, you want they all taste good. I’m sure other readers will check your comment, and avoid that cream cheese 😉 x
Katia, this was absolutely glorious and my Canadian pasta aficionado has just told me it may quite possibly be his new #1 fave. Thanks so much for sharing. 😉 Stand alone it definitely ‘did the do’, but bacon and mushrooms fried in truffle oil with thyme, added to the mix, definitely took it to the next level. I have ‘old school’, printed this recipe and 100% know that it will be on our regular rotation of weekly pasta deliciousness, moving forward.
Thank you, Mel! You mushrooms fried in truffle oil sound utterly delicious, I’m sure it was a big win 🙂 Glad you loved it x
What can I add?!! Added Italian sausage and fresh spinach and shredded Italian cheese blend, (in place of just parmesan). I also used the block cream cheese, (it’s what I had!), and it worked well. Soooooooo gooood, even pleased my picky people!
Wow, that sounds so good, Gail 🙂 I’m pleased it was a hit, thank you for your comment! x
This recipe is outrageously simple and delicious. Honestly, we have made it three times in the last month as that is how much of a hit it is with our family. I love how versatile it is! We have added something different each time, raw arugula, spinach, grilled chicken, roasted tomatoes, asparagus. Tonight it will be mushrooms! Thank you so much for sharing !
I’m so happy you enjoy this recipe regularly, Francesca! Thanks a million for sharing your feedback 🙂 x
Wow! So, I made this in a pinch and used what I had on hand—1/3 less fat cream cheese (in the 8oz bar) and I DID use the powdery grated Parmesan from the container (though it was 100% cheese, not one that says “cheese topping”). It was STILL EXCELLENT! I also threw in frozen broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. We enjoyed this so much! Such a great alternative for a quick Mac and cheese type of meal. When I have more time I want to try it with roasted vegetables. I’m sure it’ll be even better.
I love adding plenty of vegetables too! 😉 I’m so glad you liked it, Angela, and thanks so much for your feedback x
Oh. My. Goodness. Simply amazing. My only tweak was a bit of butter (because why not?)) Thank you for this lovely, simple recipe that is perfect as is or can be easily switched up with very basic ingredients. What a gift.
I’m so pleased you liked it, and yes, you can add veggies or protein (even butter, if you wish), it only gets better! Thank you for your comment 💛
Added ony’s creole seasoning instead of red pepper flakes and shrimp. AAAHHHHHEEEEE turned out pretty good! Thanks for the recipe. Will be a staple on our menu ;D
Woops! Meant to give that a 5!!
Thanks so much for your 5 stars, Sandi! 💛 I’m so pleased you liked it x
Oh. My. God. I loved this recipe SO MUCH. It’s so simple but totally one of the most delicious things I’ve ever tried. So soft and creamy, just the right amount of perfect. I added some bacon to it since I’m a huge bacon fan.
Thank you so much for this recipe! I had this pasta both for lunch and for dinner.
Eva, your comment made my day 💛 I’m happy you loved it so much x
So good! I used small pasta shells and a block of cream cheese, just added enough pasta water until it looked right. Oh my it was good!
Thank you, Rebecca! I’m so happy you loved it 💛
This was a great receipe easy and quick next time I will add some shrimp to it thank you
Thank you for your comment, Shelly! I love shrimp in this recipe 😍
Was really good. I added shrimp-yum. For seasoning, I added Old Bay to taste. Also to thin the sauce out, I used half and half. To warm as leftovers, I will use half and half. I plan to try it with sausage soon. My family loved it!
Thanks for sharing your feedback, Norma! I’m so pleased your family loved it 😍
I have made this recipe a handful of times! This started as an I’m bored at home during lock down and “Oh hey! I already have all the ingredients for this!” type of recipe. I never thought some random pinterest recipe would turn into my mom asking me to make this almost constantly to the point of no!!! I don’t want to cook you make it here’s the recipe!!! Now I’m craving it again and I’m thinking of adding sun-dried tomatoes….Not sure how it will turn out though…..
Oh Nikki, you’ve made my made! 😂 I’m so happy both you and your mom love this recipe so much, and your comment is absolutely brilliant. Thank you 💛
This is so simple to make and delicious I have made it twice this time I used shrimp thank you for the recipe
You’re so welcome, Shelly! Thanks for taking the time to share your lovely feedback x
This was absolutely delicious. I found your recipe when googling what to do with leftover cream cheese, I had never thought to use it is pasta. So rich and comforting with the right amount of heat (I added chilli flakes). Thank you!
I’m so pleased, Sarah! 😍 Thanks for sharing your feedback x
looks wonderful. could you use salmon flavored cream cheese with smoked salmon?
I’ve never tried it to be honest, but I guess it works 😊 please, let me know how it turns out x