The BEST Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe in 15 minutes.

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb spaghetti

  450 grams (penne, fusilli, etc.)
• 1 ½ cup cream cheese

  337.5 grams ( 1½ 8 oz. package)
• ½ cup grated parmesan

  60 grams plus more to serve
• 2 tablespoon olive oil

  plus more to serve
• 3 garlic cloves

  minced or pressed
• 1 cup pasta cooking water

  240 ml plus more if needed
• salt and pepper

  to taste
• ¾ teaspoon chili flakes

  divided and according to taste (optional)
• Italian parsley

  chopped for sprinkling on top

Instructions

• 1 In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package
  directions until al dente. ** See notes.
• 2 Right before draining, reserve a 1 ½ cup of starchy pasta water.
• 3 Meanwhile, in a large skillet warm 2 tablespoon of olive oil and gently fry the
  garlic (plus a good pinch of chili flakes if you like) for 2-3 minutes. Use a
  low flame, do not let the garlic burn.
• 4 Then stir the cream cheese and about 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Stir to
  combine oil, cream cheese, water and create a nice and creamy emulsion. Add
  parmesan cheese and stir well. Your pasta sauce is ready.
• 5 Drain and add your pasta to the skillet. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in
  the sauce, add more cooking water as needed for a smooth and creamy consistency.
• 6 Serve immediately with a drizzle of good olive oil or extra virgin olive oil,
  freshly grated parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper (if you don't use chili
  flakes). A light sprinkle of fresh Italian parsley Enjoy!

Nutrition Info