10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
If you’ve ever craved a bowl of creamy, flavor-packed pasta but didn’t want to spend half your evening in the kitchen, you’re about to fall head over heels for this 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta. This recipe brings together velvety cream cheese, a touch of parmesan, and hints of garlic for a meal that tastes like it’s been bubbling away for hours—when really, it’s faster than delivery. With minimal prep and ingredients you probably already have, this pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food that delights every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of kitchen staples, you’ll create a pasta dish that’s so much greater than the sum of its parts. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building up the rich flavors and irresistible textures of our 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta.
- Pasta: Choose your favorite shape! Short cuts like penne or fusilli catch the sauce nicely, but spaghetti works beautifully too.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the show, lending an ultra-creamy texture and subtle tang that makes every bite luscious.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth that amplifies the cheesy flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Brings richness and helps bloom the garlic—don’t skip this little flavor booster.
- Garlic Cloves, Minced: Fresh garlic infuses the entire sauce with that cozy, unmistakable aroma.
- Pasta Cooking Water: The secret sauce ingredient, the starches help everything come together smoothly and silkily.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning every layer. Adjust to taste!
- Optional Chili Flakes: For a subtle kick, sprinkle in as much or as little as you like at the end.
How to Make 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook it just until al dente—remember, you want it with a little bite since it’ll soak up that creamy sauce in the next step!
Step 2: Save Your Pasta Water
Right before draining the pasta, scoop out about a cup of the hot cooking water and set it aside. This starchy liquid is liquid gold for your sauce, helping everything blend into pure silk.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In a roomy skillet over low heat, pour in the olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle gently—just until fragrant. You’re not looking for browned garlic, but rather a soft perfume that infuses the oil.
Step 4: Melt the Cream Cheese
Add the cream cheese to the skillet along with half a cup of the reserved pasta water. As the cream cheese warms, stir constantly and watch as it transforms into a luxuriously smooth sauce, thanks to that pasta water.
Step 5: Parmesan Perfection
Sprinkle in the grated parmesan and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated. The sauce should look glossy, creamy, and decadent—the sort of thing you want to sneak a spoonful of right away.
Step 6: Toss the Pasta
Add the drained pasta straight into the skillet and toss, toss, toss. If the sauce is a tad thick, add a splash more reserved cooking water until you reach your desired creaminess. Be sure every piece is glistening and coated.
Step 7: Serve and Savor
Dish out the 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta immediately, finishing with a drizzle of olive oil, another pinch of parmesan, and chili flakes if you’re feeling spicy. The faster you dig in, the happier you’ll be!
How to Serve 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta
Garnishes
For that extra flair, top each bowl with a dusting of freshly grated parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, and a final sprinkle of chili flakes if you love a little heat. Even a handful of chopped fresh herbs—like parsley or basil—adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette to cut the richness, or a plate of simply roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. And let’s not forget: warm, crusty bread is perfect for swiping up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, twirl generous nests of pasta onto plates or a big serving platter and finish with those beautiful garnishes. For a playful touch, serve in individual bowls with a small bowl of chili flakes and more parmesan on the side—let everyone dress their dish just the way they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta can be stashed in an airtight container and kept in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but don’t worry—it’ll loosen right back up when reheated.
Freezing
While creamy pasta sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze portions of this pasta if needed. Allow to cool completely, then seal in airtight containers. Expect a bit of texture change in the sauce, but a quick stir during reheating will help bring back creaminess.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk, cream, or water to bring back the luscious consistency. Stir often and heat just until warm—overheating can make the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! While full-fat cream cheese gives the richest flavor and texture, low-fat varieties also work nicely. The sauce may be slightly less thick, so just add pasta water sparingly.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
You can use almost any pasta shape—short cuts like rigatoni or shells really grab the sauce, but long strands like linguine or spaghetti are silky and elegant. Pick what you love or have on hand!
Can I add vegetables or protein?
Of course! Toss in peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms during the last minute of cooking. For heartiness, try shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp stirred into the sauce before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta is naturally vegetarian if you use parmesan cheese made without animal rennet. Just double-check your cheese labels to be sure!
How can I make the sauce even creamier?
If you’re after ultimate creaminess, splash in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream along with the cream cheese. It’s an optional step, but wow—does it ever make the dish extra decadent!
Final Thoughts
This 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta is a lifesaver for busy days and tired nights. It’s cozy, quick, and truly satisfying—a meal you can always come back to and make your own. Give it a try and you’ll see just how effortless homemade comfort can really be!
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10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and creamy pasta dish that comes together in just 10 minutes. This cream cheese pasta is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1/2 lb (225 grams) pasta (any shape)
Cream Cheese Sauce:
- 3/4 cup (160 grams) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta cooking water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve Water: Save 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over low heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Add cream cheese and reserved water to the skillet, stirring until smooth. Mix in parmesan cheese.
- Combine: Toss drained pasta into the sauce, adding more water if needed for creaminess.
- Serve: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Pasta, Easy Pasta Recipe, Quick Dinner Idea
