Description
A rich and creamy spaghetti recipe featuring a luscious sauce made with cream cheese, parmesan, and butter, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. This easy-to-make pasta dish balances cheesy flavors with a smooth, velvety texture and can be garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce later if needed.
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine Dairy Ingredients: Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk to the skillet.
- Stir Sauce: Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully combined and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Finish Sauce: Stir in the unsalted butter until melted, enriching the sauce with a velvety finish.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce in the skillet.
- Coat Evenly: Use tongs to toss and coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy spaghetti with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
- Reserve pasta water helps emulsify and loosen the sauce without thinning flavor.
- This recipe can be made with gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten intolerance.
- For added protein, consider tossing in cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently, adding a bit of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce.
