Cream Cheese Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
519 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Cream Cheese Pasta
Description
This Cream Cheese Pasta recipe creates a creamy sauce by blending cream cheese with milk and adding sautéed garlic in olive oil as the flavor foundation. The cooked pasta is tossed with the sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, producing a lush texture and balanced flavor. The cream cheese lends tang and richness, while Parmesan adds savory sharpness and basil provides herbal aroma.
The garlic is cooked briefly over low heat to release flavor without browning, preserving a gentle garlic taste. Pasta cooking water can be added to loosen the sauce for ideal coating consistency. This technique invites using various pasta shapes; spaghetti or tagliatelle work well but other noodles can be substituted.
This dish can be served as a quick main course or side, with optional additions such as tomatoes, peas, anchovies, or chili to customize the flavor profile. Fresh basil is preferred over dried for quality and vibrancy.
Pasta shapes with crevices hold the sauce well, and gradually adding liquid ensures sauce smoothness. Fresh grated Parmesan is recommended over pre-grated for flavor and texture, and softer cream cheese varieties blend more easily.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta 450 g, Note 1
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3-5 garlic to taste, cloves
- 1 ⅓ cup cream cheese 300 g/ 10.5 oz, Note 2
- 1 cup milk 230 ml
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese + more to serve, Note 3, freshly grated
- small handful basil Note 4, fresh
- salt or kosher salt, fine sea salt
- black pepper ground
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water.1 lb pasta / 450 g
- In the meantime, prepare the ingredients for the sauce, but only start cooking a couple of minutes before the pasta is cooked.
- Grate the garlic and set aside. Whisk the cream cheese and milk in a bowl and add salt and pepper to taste. Grate the Parmesan. Cut the basil into strips. Keep all the ingredients in separate containers.3-5 garlic cloves + 1 ⅓ cup cream cheese/ 300 g + 1 cup milk/ 230 ml + 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan + small handful fresh basil
- Cream cheese sauce: Heat the oil and sauté the garlic on low heat for just about 30-60 seconds; it should not get too much color or burn. Add the cream cheese mixture and stir until smooth. Add the chopped basil and Parmesan and combine.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Add drained pasta and a little reserved cooking water, just enough to make the sauce creamy and help it coat the pasta thoroughly.
- Adjust the taste with salt and pepper and sprinkle with more Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately.fine sea salt + ground black pepper
Notes
- Spaghetti or tagliatelle are preferred, but any pasta shape can be used.
- Use soft cream cheese for a smoother sauce; if using brick cream cheese, add milk or pasta water gradually to reach smoothness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese prevents grainy sauce and provides better flavor than pre-grated.
- Use fresh basil only; dried should be avoided, and parsley can be a substitute if needed.
- Additions like chopped tomatoes, anchovies, chili, or peas can be included for varying flavors.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 519 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 of the dish | |
| Calories | 519kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 32g | 49% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 12g | 71% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Sodium | 611mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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