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–+ servings
top view of cream cheese pasta in a skillet with tongs
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 20 minutes

Cream Cheese Pasta

Melty cream cheese, Parm, garlic, milk, and pasta water create the most luscious pasta sauce! This cream cheese pasta comes together quickly for what might be the easiest pasta dinner ever.
Yield: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta cooked and drained BUT RESERVE 1 CUP OF THE PASTA WATER
  • 1 tablespoon butter can sub olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic peeled and minced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese 1 block; cut into large cubes
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/3 cup pasta water from the cooked pasta + more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese + more for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt optional - taste first + more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional - for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain but reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Set a large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, for one minute or until fragrant. Don't let it brown.
  • Add the 1/3 cup pasta water, 1/4 cup milk, and cream cheese in chunks. Stir constantly with a whisk until the cream cheese breaks down into a smooth, velvety sauce. You may need to add a couple extra splashes of pasta water so that it doesn't thicken too much.
  • Remove from heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, nutmeg if using, and black pepper. Taste and add salt if desired.
  • Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss with tongs until the pasta is coated.
  • Serve with additional parmesan and freshly ground black pepper plus a little sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave, stirring often, or over the stovetop (splash in a little water or milk if needed).

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 457kcal, Carbohydrates: 47g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 69mg, Sodium: 400mg, Potassium: 246mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1065IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 114mg, Iron: 1mg