Cream Cheese Pasta

This cream cheese pasta recipe is a show-stopping creamy pasta dish that's incredibly easy to make. Tender fusilli pasta is tossed in an irresistibly rich and cheesy sauce infused with a touch of garlic. It's an elegant and comforting pasta dinner that never fails to impress!

The Best Cream Cheese Pasta

If you love creamy pasta, this pasta with cream cheese recipe is sure to be your new favorite dinner!

The ultra-creamy and flavorful cream cheese pasta sauce coats every inch of the perfectly al dente fusilli. It's finished with extra virgin olive oil, freshly grated parmesan, and red pepper flakes for a restaurant-quality presentation and flavor.

In addition to being so delicious, this cream cheese pasta is also surprisingly easy to make!

It only takes about 15 minutes from start to finish, and the process is effortless. That'll give you plenty of time to whip up a side to take this meal to the next level.

I love serving the cream cheese pasta with this quick La Scala chopped salad and Bisquick cheddar bay biscuits to dip in the creamy cheese sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

One pan meal. The cream cheese sauce for this recipe comes together in one pan, then all you have to do is toss in the pasta and serve!

Winning combination. The classic combination of cream cheese, parmesan, and garlic creates a truly restaurant-worthy flavor. Then the twists on the fusilli pasta are perfect for catching all that cheesy, creamy sauce. 

Versatile. This pasta with cream cheese sauce is fancy enough to serve for date night yet simple enough to make for a big family dinner. Plus, this decadent pasta dish is delicious enough to be the star of the meal but also makes a great accompaniment to any main dish.

Everyone loves it. This is a dish that kids and adults alike both love, so you're bound to satisfy no matter who you make it for!

Ingredients

One of the best things about this cream cheese pasta is that it's made with the simplest ingredients. I wouldn't be surprised if you have most of these in your kitchen already!

Check out what you'll need for this cream cheese pasta recipe:

• 8 oz. (225g) short pasta, fusilli
• ¾ cup cream cheese
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more to serve
• 1 garlic clove, minced 
• ½ cup pasta cooking water, plus more if needed
• salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼-1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, or according to taste

If you're looking for another delicious dinner to make with cream cheese, I highly recommend this baked salmon with cream cheese and this Philly cheesesteak casserole!

How To Make Cream Cheese Pasta

1. Make the pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add in the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package directions or until the pasta is al dente. Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of starchy pasta water for later.

2. Make the cream cheese sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large skill over low heat and add in the minced fresh garlic. Fry gently for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Add in the cream cheese and half of the reserved pasta water. Stir constantly to combine everything together, then incorporate the parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

3. Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly. You can add a little more of the reserved pasta water in increments until you reach your desired consistency. Season to taste with some salt and pepper.

4. Garnish and serve: Transfer your cream cheese pasta to plates and finish them with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, some red pepper flakes, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Tips To Make the Best Recipe

• Use any small-shaped pasta you want, like penne pasta, elbow macaroni, or spiral noodles. 
• Use full-fat cream cheese to get the richest flavor and best texture for your smooth sauce.
• Salt your pasta sauce after adding the parmesan cheese since it already adds a lot of saltiness to the dish.
• Mix vigorously once you've added your cooked pasta to the sauce. This will help emulsify the sauce even more, helping it thicken up and cling to the pasta better.
• Double or triple this easy pasta recipe for a crowd. 

How To Store Cream Cheese Pasta

In the fridge: Store the leftover cream cheese pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days.

In the freezer: Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the frozen pasta thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Add the leftover pasta to a saucepan with a splash of water, milk, or heavy cream. Heat it over low heat, stirring gently, until warmed through. You can also heat your pasta in the microwave with a tablespoon of liquid in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment.

FAQs About This Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

Can you substitute cream cheese for cream in pasta?

Cream cheese is a fantastic substitute for cream in pasta and can be subbed in at a one-to-one ratio. It gives pasta sauce the same smooth and creamy consistency while adding a very subtle tanginess for some depth of flavor.

What can I put on pasta instead of cheese?

Cashew cream, cream cheese, tahini, pureed beans, or avocado are great for adding to pasta sauces in place of cheese. You can also add a generous sprinkle of nutritional yeast on top - which is also a great alternative to grated parmesan cheese - and a squeeze of lemon juice to replicate the nutty, tangy flavor of cheese. 

What can I serve with cream cheese pasta?

Cream cheese pasta pairs perfectly with a side of veggies. This refreshing house salad, Red Lobster brussels sprouts, or stuffed artichokes are a few ideas to get you started. Or you can serve it with some protein like this pan-fried chicken breast or this 5-minute seared shrimp for a more filling meal. of course, you can't forget the garlic bread!

More Creamy Pasta Recipes

• Creamy salmon pasta
• Shrimp pasta
• Taco pasta bake
• Pasta with peas
• Chicken broccoli pasta bake
• Creamy carbonara
• Chicken pesto pasta
• Chicken broccoli alfredo
• Cajun pasta