cream cheese spaghetti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best cream cheese spaghetti recipe

I’ve been making cream cheese spaghetti for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. It’s a twist on the classic pasta dish that adds a rich and creamy element with the addition of cream cheese.

I first discovered this recipe in an old cookbook I found at a thrift store, and it’s since become a staple in our household. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always excited to see the finished product. The combination of tender spaghetti, savory meat sauce, and creamy cream cheese is a winner in our book.

I’ve made this recipe for potlucks, family gatherings, and even as a main course for dinner parties. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy compared to other rich pasta dishes. The cream cheese adds a boost of calcium and protein, making it a great option for busy families looking for a nutritious meal option.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to your taste by adding different spices or herbs to the meat sauce or using different types of cheese. I’ve even experimented with using ground turkey or beef instead of traditional ground beef for added flavor and nutrition.

Cream Cheese Spaghetti

4.8 from 1138 votes

A creamy and comforting pasta dish where cream cheese melts into a silky sauce coating every strand of spaghetti. This quick recipe uses simple ingredients for a rich and satisfying meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti
1 tbsp salt

For the Sauce

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt and the spaghetti, cooking until al dente according to package directions, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti in a colander.
4While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauteing until fragrant, about 1 minute, without browning the garlic.
6Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet.
7Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth, forming a thick sauce, about 2 to 3 minutes.
8Gradually whisk in the reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
9Stir in the black pepper and half of the Parmesan cheese until well combined.
10Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently with tongs until every strand is coated in the cream cheese sauce.
11Cook over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the pasta.
12Serve immediately, garnishing each portion with the remaining Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
13For extra richness, add a pat of butter on top before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 17g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons. Add cooked chicken or sauteed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.

Watch Video Of How Cream Cheese Spaghetti Works

This cream cheese spaghetti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.

My family loves helping me in the kitchen, and they’re always excited to see the finished product. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can customize it to your taste by adding different spices or herbs to the meat sauce or using different types of cheese.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cream Cheese Spaghetti

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use long, thin pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. This will allow the creamy cream cheese sauce to coat each strand evenly.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the meat sauce and cream cheese mixture separately and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Q: How do I prevent the cream cheese from separating when reheating?

To prevent the cream cheese from separating when reheating, be sure to stir constantly over low heat until melted.

Q: Can I substitute other types of cheese for the cream cheese?

While you can substitute other types of cheese for the cream cheese, keep in mind that this may alter the flavor and texture of the dish.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe can be easily adapted to be vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with mushrooms or another plant-based protein source.

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