One-pot Creamy Spaghetti

Close-up of a black bowl full of creamy spaghetti.

Dreaming of a bowl of creamy spaghetti ready in no time? This super easy one-pot recipe ready in less than 15 minutes is for you.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Main Course, pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Creamy Spaghetti

Servings:

Calories: 417kcal

Author: Katia

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, plus more to serve
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ teaspoon chili flakes or cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon Italian herb seasoning
3 cups (720 ml) low sodium vegetable broth or water
¾ teaspoon fine salt*
¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to serve
8 oz (220 grams) spaghetti
¾ cup (170 grams) cream cheese
¼ cup (approx 30 grams) parmesan cheese, plus more to serve

Instructions

Warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, herbs, and chili flakes and cook until fragrant and smells good, about 45 seconds.
Pour in the broth, salt, and pepper, bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to a low simmer (about medium-low).
Add pasta and leave for 30 seconds until it starts to soften. Then, using a wooden spoon, start to push it down under the liquid. Stir until it wilts and fit in the pot, cook for about 8-9 minutes or until al dente, stirring frequently. Toward the end of the cooking time, ensure there's still some liquid at the bottom of the pot. If needed, you might want to add a touch of water (remember you need some liquid to emulsify the cheese at the end).
When the pasta is done, turn the heat off, stir in the cream cheese and the grated parmesan, and toss until well combined, creamy, and juicy. Taste and make sure you're happy with the seasoning (now it's when you want to stir in your add-ins).
Divide the pasta between plates and top with some grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or chili flakes, if desired. Enjoy.

Notes

Salt: the recipe calls for ¾ tsp salt if using low-sodium broth. If you use broth that is not low sodium and tastes salty, you might want to taste it and adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Creamy spaghetti leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for about 3 days - but not as velvety and creamy. To reheat, simply do so in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of milk or water. You can also reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water.

Nutrition facts: the nutrition values are for one serving and are based on an online nutrition calculator. It’s an estimate only and it should not be considered as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice (extra parmesan cheese on top or a drizzle of olive oil are not included). Please see my disclosure policies.

Nutrition