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–+ servings
cream cheese pasta in a white bowl.

Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce

Chef Dennis Littley
My cream cheese pasta made with just a few simple ingredients is cheesy and creamy with a hint of garlic. Your whole family is going to love this rich delicious pasta recipe, and the best part is it can be on your dinner table in 15 minutes.
5 from 38 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 11 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Entree, pasta course
Cuisine Italian, Italian - American
Servings 2
Calories 835 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ lb pasta I used cavatappi, but spaghetti, liguinne, fettuccine, penne, or your favorite pasta shape will work.
  • ¾ cup full fat cream cheese Philadelphia or your favorite brand
  • ¼ cup Romano cheese or parmesan cheese - plus more for serving
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon shallots finely minced - optional
  • 1 cup starchy pasta water reserved from cooking pasta
  • ½ table salt to taste
  • ¼ black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon Italian parsley plus more to garnish the dish

Instructions
 

  • Add the pasta to a large pot of boiling salted water, and cook according to package directions for al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and reserve one cup of the pasta water before draining.
  • Add the olive oil, garlic, and shallots to a large skillet and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
    Don't let the garlic or shallots burn.
  • Add the cream cheese and ½ cup of starchy pasta water to the pan.
  • Mix to blend the cream cheese, water, and oil mixture to create a creamy emulsion.
  • Add the grated pecorino romano cheese and chopped parsley to the pan and mix until the sauce is creamy.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce. Add more of the reserved pasta water as needed so the sauce has a smooth and creamy consistency.
    For an even creamier sauce add heavy cream or whole milk instead of the pasta water.
  • Top with grated romano cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley.
  • Serve with a tossed salad or caesar salad and garlic bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 835kcalCarbohydrates: 91gProtein: 24gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 99mgSodium: 425mgPotassium: 392mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1195IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 247mgIron: 2mg
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