Cream Cheese Pasta

This Cream Cheese Pasta is a quick, easy meal that can be made in 20 minutes. Wonderful as a side or main meal. 

If you like easy pasta recipes, be sure to try buttered noodles, garlic butter sauce pasta and green pasta sauce. 

I am all about a delicious, easy dinner. Most week nights I try to make something that will take me less than 30 minute because we are all busy.

This cream cheese pasta recipe has become part of our menu rotation because it can be made quickly and of course is super tasty. This creamy sauce is similar to Alfredo sauce and perfect over any pasta, even zoodles. 

Why we love this cream cheese pasta sauce

• Easy: 5 ingredients, under 20 minutes.
• Delicious: This meal is perfect for even the picky eaters. Pasta with cheese sauce is always a hit with the family.
• Versatile: Can be used as a base with protein or vegetables or served by itself.

Ingredients needed

Pasta – Use your favorite pasta or gluten-free pasta. I typically use fettuccine or spaghetti. 

Cream cheese – Use full fat cream cheese for this dish. Make sure to cut into cubes before adding to the mixture so that it will melt faster. 

Parmesan cheese – Use shredded or grated Parmesan. 

Butter – Unsalted, sweet cream butter. 

Garlic powder – This adds a hint of garlic flavor. Feel free to reduce the amount for less garlic flavor. 

Salt and Pepper to season

How to make cream cheese pasta sauce

Scroll to the bottom for full, printable recipe, ingredients and video. 

1. Pasta: Boil and cook pasta according to package. Before draining water, take out 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside. 
2. Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add in garlic powder and stir to combine. Pour in reserved pasta water, cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cream cheese is melted and combined. Season with salt and pepper. 
3. Toss: Toss cooked pasta with sauce and serve. Optional top with crumbled bacon and parsley.

How to store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place pasta back in a large saucepan or skillet and warm over medium heat. 

Recipe tips 

• If you prefer your sauce a little thinner, add a little extra pasta water to the sauce.
• If you are making this dish for 1-2 people, cut ingredients by half. 

Can you freeze cream cheese?

Yes, you can freeze unopened cream cheese in it’s original packaging. It will last 2-3 months in the freezer. 

To thaw, place in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Be aware that the consistency to change after thawed out. 

How to serve cream cheese pasta

This makes a great side dish or even as a main meal. We love topping it with a protein like crumbled bacon, chicken, shrimp or mixed vegetables. I also love serving with a piece of garlic Texas toast. 

More pasta recipes

• Baked ravioli – Easy baked ravioli is made with pasta, sauce and cheese. 
• Baked mostaccioli – A family favorite. 
• Instant pot chicken pesto pasta – Can be made quickly in the pressure cooker. 

***If you made this recipe, please feel free to leave a comment and star rating below. 

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5 from 8 votes

Cream Cheese Pasta

Easy to make, delicious cream cheese pasta.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time20 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pasta

Servings: 6

Calories: 133kcal

Author: Heather

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz package fettuccini or spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup pasta water (extra 1/4 cup for thinner sauce)
• 1 8 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Optional

• 1/4 cup bacon bits
• 1/8 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

• Boil pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta but reserve 3/4 cup pasta water once finished cooking.
• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder. Add in 1/2 cup pasta water, cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until cream cheese has melted.
• ***If you would like the sauce thinned out, add in extra 1/4 cup pasta water.
• Season with salt and pepper and toss sauce with cooked pasta.
• Serve warm. Optional top with crumbled bacon and parsley.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 133kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 21mg | Sodium: 457mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 240IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 110mg | Iron: 1mg

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