Description
A quick and creamy cheese pasta sauce that transforms simple cooked pasta into a rich and flavorful meal using cream cheese, butter, and a blend of aromatic spices. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, or to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water to use later in the sauce.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and microwave in 20-30 second intervals until very soft. Prepare all other ingredients while the pasta cooks for efficiency.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Return the drained pasta to the cooking pot, add the softened cream cheese and butter quickly, then cover the pot and let it sit for about a minute to allow the cheese to soften further.
- Add Seasonings: Uncover the pot and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley if using.
- Create Sauce: Begin tossing the pasta, gradually adding about 1/4 cup of the reserved hot pasta water at a time until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Add more pasta water as needed, but you might not use the entire cup.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and serve the creamy pasta immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly chopped parsley for best flavor, but dried can be substituted if necessary.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder sauce.
- If cream cheese is not soft enough, it may clump; soften it completely before mixing.
- This sauce is best enjoyed fresh and may thicken upon standing; adding a splash of hot pasta water can loosen it before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and butter with vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
