Description
This creamy spaghetti recipe features a quick and luscious sauce made with cream cheese, parmesan, heavy cream, and butter, perfectly coating tender spaghetti. It’s a comforting and indulgent pasta dish that comes together in just 25 minutes, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- Salt (for pasta water)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the spaghetti, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Dairy Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk to the skillet.
- Combine Sauce: Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and creates a smooth, creamy base.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is well blended and creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your preferred texture.
- Add Butter: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted, enriching the sauce’s flavor and texture.
- Season Sauce: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce.
- Coat Evenly: Use tongs to toss and coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh finish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the creamy spaghetti right away while warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best texture and taste.
- Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly; allow it to sit at room temperature before cooking.
- Adjust milk quantity based on desired creaminess and sauce thickness.
- Garlic can be substituted with garlic powder for a milder flavor if preferred.
- Serve immediately for best texture, as the sauce can thicken upon standing.
