Quick Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe (2024)

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This quick and easy Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a comforting pasta dinner that the whole family will love! It’s cheesy, creamy and downright delicious.

Meet this mom’s quick-fix spaghetti dinner! This cream cheese spaghetti dish is an easy pasta recipe that never gets old. It’s the perfect inexpensive meal to add to your weekly dinner rotation.

Why We Love Spaghetti With Cream Cheese

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy families.
• Simple Ingredients: Requires only 7 ingredients, making it easy and accessible.
• Versatile: Great with added vegetables or meat, appealing to both kids and adults.
• Comfort Food: Cheesy and satisfying, sure to lift your mood with every bite.

Recipe Ingredients

• Dry Spaghetti: This can be substituted with any other pasta type like fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free pasta options.
• Olive Oil: Other cooking oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil can be used.
• Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder or jarred minced garlic are good alternatives.
• Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese can be used for similar creaminess. Cut the cream cheese into cubes to make a creamy, smooth sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Other hard, grated cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago can substitute.
• Garnish: If desired, garnish your spaghetti with parsley and cracked black pepper.

How to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the spaghetti according to the directions on the package. Do not drain it yet.
2. Cook the Garlic and Cheese: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add garlic to the oil and cook for 20 seconds. Add cream cheese to the skillet and ½ cup of the cooking pasta water. Whisk the cream cheese and water until well combined.
3. Add Cheese & Seasonings: Whisk in the parmesan cheese; taste for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly. If needed, add more water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
4. Drain: Drain the spaghetti and then return it back to the cooking pot.
5. Add Sauce: Add the cream cheese sauce to the spaghetti; stir until combined.
6. Garnish & Serve: Garnish with a crack of black pepper and chopped parsley, if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Watch the Garlic: Garlic should only take about 20 seconds to sauté. Watch it closely to make sure it doesn’t burn.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Taste the sauce and add salt and pepper until you’re satisfied with the flavor.
• Use Pasta Water: Make sure you use the pasta water to make your sauce instead of just regular water. This will give your sauce the best flavor and help it stick to the spaghetti. Also, add more pasta water as needed if you want a thinner sauce.
• Cut Cream Cheese into Cubes: If you cut your cream cheese into smaller pieces, you’ll have an easier time incorporating it into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta would taste great with Swedish meatballs or grilled shrimp. Everyone loves to pair this spaghetti dinner with my Easy Garlic Bread Bruschetta. You could also top it with crispy oven baked bacon to add a savory crunch.

How to Store Leftovers

• Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
• When reheating your pasta, I recommend adding a little bit of water to keep the sauce nice and creamy.