Description

This creamy and flavorful Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce is a quick and easy way to elevate your pasta dishes. Made with softened cream cheese, butter, and a blend of spices, this sauce comes together effortlessly and creates a deliciously smooth texture perfect for coating your favorite pasta. It’s customizable with optional red pepper flakes and fresh parsley, making it a versatile weeknight dinner hit.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 ounces uncooked pasta

Sauce

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 tablespoon butter (softened)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, or to taste)
Salt & pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a pot of water and cook the pasta al dente following the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water for later use.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and microwave it in 20-30 second intervals until very soft. Prepare all other ingredients so they are ready to add once the pasta is cooked.
Combine Pasta and Cheese: Return the drained pasta to the pot it was cooked in. Quickly add the softened cream cheese and butter, then cover the pot and let it sit for about one minute to allow the cheese to soften further.
Add Seasonings: Uncover the pot and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and chopped parsley if using.
Create the Sauce: Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved hot pasta water and begin tossing the pasta to help melt the cheese into a creamy sauce. Gradually add more pasta water as needed until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

For an extra creamy sauce, be sure to use softened cream cheese and butter.
The reserved pasta water helps loosen and smooth out the sauce, so add it gradually.
Feel free to swap the pasta for gluten-free varieties if needed.
Fresh parsley adds a nice brightness but can be omitted if unavailable.
This sauce pairs well with many pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or rotini.
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore creaminess.