Creamy Spaghetti

Name: Creamy Spaghetti
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta); 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)

Isabella

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This creamy spaghetti is a rich and indulgent pasta dish tossed with garlic, parmesan, and cream cheese. It’s a perfect balance of comfort and flavor, making it an excellent choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The smooth, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta, creating a dish that’s hard to resist.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this creamy spaghetti comes together so quickly with simple ingredients. The combination of garlic, cream cheese, and parmesan creates an ultra-luxurious sauce without needing a long list of ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—I can add proteins like chicken or shrimp, or even toss in some vegetables for extra texture. It’s the perfect meal for when I want something satisfying but easy to make.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)

2 tablespoons 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 tablespoons unsalted butter

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted water. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.

Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until fully combined and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, I add a splash of the reserved pasta water until I reach the desired consistency.

Stir in the butter until melted and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Toss the cooked spaghetti into the skillet with the sauce. I use tongs to coat the pasta evenly in the cheesy garlic parmesan sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 425 kcal per serving

Variations

Add protein: I sometimes toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for an extra boost of flavor.

Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that balances out the richness.

Use different cheese: While parmesan is classic, I’ve also tried asiago or pecorino romano for a slightly different taste.

Include veggies: I like adding spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes for some freshness.

Go gluten-free: Using gluten-free pasta works just as well for those with dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: I reheat it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but I stir halfway through to prevent clumping.

Freezing: This sauce doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, so I prefer making it fresh when needed.

Related Recipes:

Mexican Chicken Spaghetti

FAQs

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

I always reserve some pasta water and add a little at a time while tossing the spaghetti to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, half-and-half works well, but the sauce might be slightly less rich. If needed, I add a bit more parmesan for extra creaminess.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Spaghetti is a classic choice, but I’ve also used fettuccine, linguine, or even penne for a different texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if I need to make it ahead, I store the sauce separately and toss it with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

How do I make it less rich?

I sometimes use a combination of milk and broth instead of heavy cream to lighten it up while still keeping it creamy.

Conclusion

This creamy spaghetti is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and can be customized in so many ways. Whether I’m making it as a quick dinner or dressing it up with extra ingredients, it’s always a crowd-pleaser.