Can you add cream cheese to pasta?

Yes! Cream cheese is high in fat, very creamy, and melts incredibly well, which makes it perfect for adding to pasta sauce. If you add it with a little parmesan cheese and some of the starchy water from cooking pasta, it will turn into a silky smooth sauce that clings to each noodle. Plus, the tangy flavor is so satisfying and works well with a wide range of add-ins. It's even great added directly to your favorite tomato sauce!

Can you freeze cream cheese pasta?

Freezing cooked pasta isn't always a great choice. The pasta becomes thick and soggy after thawing and reheating, and the cream cheese can separate. You can likely get away with it, but I recommend making a fresh batch for the best results.

What type of cream cheese is best for pasta?

I always recommend full-fat cream cheese because it is so rich and creamy, but you can use reduced-fat Neufchatel cheese as well. Fat-free cream cheese has a slightly rubbery texture and doesn't melt as well, so I would skip that option.

Cream Cheese Pasta

Name: Cream Cheese Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound (8 ounces) spaghetti, uncooked; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes; 2/3 cup cream cheese¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Description

This Cream Cheese Pasta is simple, creamy, and so delicious. Adding cream cheese is the secret to the creamiest, easiest pasta ever! As the cream cheese melts and infuses into the starchy pasta water, it turns into a glossy sauce that coats each noodle with a rich, tangy flavor. This easy cream cheese pasta is ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish and is about to be your new best friend on those busy weeknights!

Ingredients

1/2 pound (8 ounces) spaghetti, uncooked
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed chili flakes
2/3 cup cream cheese¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti noodles and cook until al dente according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the hot pasta water in a small bowl. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add minced garlic and chili flakes (optional) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, cream cheese and Parmesan cheese. Gently stir until smooth and bring it to a simmer, about 1-2 minutes.
Add cooked spaghetti and toss well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Sprinkle with parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

How to store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

How to reheat: Either microwave the leftover pasta for a few minutes or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. I recommend adding a splash of water to loosen up the sauce and make it glossy again.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American