Description
This creamy spaghetti is a rich and indulgent pasta dish made with garlic, parmesan, and cream cheese for a velvety, flavorful sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy recipe comes together in just 25 minutes! Add protein, veggies, or spice it up for a deliciously customizable meal.
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)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Make the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk.
- Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Incorporate Cheese
- Gradually whisk in grated parmesan until fully combined.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Finish the Sauce
- Stir in butter until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss with Pasta
- Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce.
- Use tongs to coat pasta evenly.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Protein options: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
Vegetable additions: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes work great.
Cheese variations: Try asiago or pecorino romano for a different flavor.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 425 kcal per serving
