spaghetti with cream cheese recipe

spaghetti with cream cheese recipe

The Best spaghetti with cream cheese recipe

I’ve been making spaghetti with cream cheese for years, and it’s a recipe that never fails to impress my family. This creamy pasta dish is a staple in our household, and I’m excited to share it with you. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to prepare and how versatile it is – we can enjoy it as a weeknight meal or serve it at special occasions like holidays and gatherings.

The best part? It’s incredibly healthy, thanks to the generous serving of vegetables and lean protein from the cream cheese. My kids love helping me cook this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the final product – a big plate of steaming hot spaghetti smothered in a rich, creamy sauce.

The aroma alone is enough to make our mouths water, and we can’t get enough of this comforting dish. I’ve learned that the secret to a great cream cheese sauce lies in using high-quality ingredients and cooking the cream cheese until it’s smooth and velvety. A little bit of garlic and onion adds depth to the sauce without overpowering the other flavors.

When I serve this spaghetti with cream cheese, I like to add some steamed broccoli on the side – it makes for a well-rounded meal that even my pickiest eaters will devour. The leftovers are just as delicious, reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. In fact, I often make this recipe on Sundays when I have extra time to cook and freeze individual portions for future meals.

It’s become a staple in our household, and I know your family will love it just as much as mine does.

Creamy Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Creamy Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

4.6 from 563 votes

This spaghetti with cream cheese recipe creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. It is a quick and satisfying weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti
1 tablespoon salt

For the Cream Cheese Sauce

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup reserved pasta water
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons 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, then cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Reserve 1 cup of 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 sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
6Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese to the skillet.
7Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
8Gradually pour in 3/4 cup of the reserved pasta water while whisking to create a smooth sauce.
9Add the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt, then stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy, about 2 minutes.
10Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss gently with tongs until every strand is coated in the sauce.
11If the sauce seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.
12Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
13Enjoy while hot for the best creamy texture.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife
Cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 14g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whole wheat spaghetti. Add cooked chicken or steamed broccoli for extra protein and vegetables.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Spaghetti with Cream Cheese Works

To store leftover spaghetti with cream cheese let it cool completely then transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to reheat add a splash of milk or pasta water to bring back the creamy texture and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave stirring occasionally.

This recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is quick easy and pleases everyone from kids to adults. It works well for family gatherings since you can double the ingredients easily and serve it as a main dish or a side alongside a simple salad or garlic bread.

I keep coming back to this recipe because it never fails and it always leaves my family satisfied.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this spaghetti with cream cheese recipe, you’ll want to use a high-quality long pasta like spaghetti or linguine. The shape of the pasta helps the creamy sauce cling to each strand, making every bite a delight.

Can I substitute heavy cream for half-and-half?

While you can use heavy cream as a substitute for half-and-half in this recipe, keep in mind that heavy cream has a richer flavor than half-and-half. If you’re looking for a lighter taste, stick with half-and-half.

How do I store leftover spaghetti with cream cheese?

Leftover spaghetti with cream cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. When reheating, make sure the pasta is heated through before serving.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

While you can add cooked chicken or beef to this spaghetti with cream cheese recipe, keep in mind that it will alter the flavor profile significantly. If you do choose to add meat, consider using lean proteins like chicken breast or sirloin steak.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This spaghetti with cream cheese recipe is suitable for vegetarians since there’s no meat present in the original recipe.

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