Cream Cheese Pasta

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If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, look no further than this Cream Cheese Pasta. It’s creamy, dreamy, and irresistibly easy. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this dish transforms into a rich and velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of pasta.

The beauty of this pasta lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or need a quick fix for unexpected guests, this recipe delivers flavor without the fuss. It’s cozy, quick, and totally crowd-pleasing.

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Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Pasta

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal ingredients: Most of which are pantry staples.
• Ultra creamy: The cream cheese melts into the pasta like a dream.
• Customizable: Add chicken, shrimp, veggies, or herbs to make it your own.
• Perfect comfort food: It’s like a warm hug on a plate.

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Can I Use Any Pasta Shape for Cream Cheese Pasta?

Absolutely! While fettuccine or spaghetti works wonderfully for holding onto the creamy sauce, short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are just as delicious. Choose what you have on hand or what your family loves best. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too soft once it mixes with the sauce.

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Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Pasta

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this pasta silky, flavorful, and satisfying:

• Pasta – The foundation of the dish. Use your favorite kind, just make sure it’s cooked al dente.
• Cream Cheese – The star of the show! It melts into a smooth, tangy sauce that gives this dish its creamy texture.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps blend the sauce together.
• Garlic – A must-have for flavor; sautéed for a warm, fragrant base.
• Milk or Pasta Water – Thins the cream cheese to make a silky sauce. Pasta water adds bonus flavor and starch.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to bring everything to life.
• Fresh Parsley – A fresh finish that brightens the dish (optional but recommended).

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How To Make the Cream Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Start the Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Melt the Cream Cheese

Add the cream cheese and a splash of milk or pasta water. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Gradually pour in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately.

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Serving and Storing Cream Cheese Pasta

This Cream Cheese Pasta feeds about 4 hungry people or 6 smaller portions. Serve it immediately while the sauce is velvety and warm.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to revive the creamy texture.

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What to Serve With Cream Cheese Pasta?

Garlic Breadsticks

Perfect for dipping and soaking up that luscious sauce.

Roasted Broccoli

A healthy and vibrant contrast to the rich creaminess.

Grilled Chicken

Add protein and turn this into a complete meal.

Caesar Salad

The crunch and tanginess pair beautifully with the pasta.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms and creamy pasta are a match made in heaven.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella offer a refreshing side.

Lemon Green Beans

A zesty veggie that cuts through the richness.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re into creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, here are a few more you’ll want to try:

• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for a meaty, one-pot wonder.
• Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta when you’re in the mood for a savory indulgence.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for seafood lovers.
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan if you want extra protein and garlic flavor.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a comforting weeknight favorite.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add spinach or red pepper flakes? Try it with bacon bits?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook better and bolder.

Explore beautifully curated comfort food dishes and dinner ideas on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to meal!

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