Cream Cheese Pasta is what you make when you’re craving alfredo-level comfort but don’t want to fuss with a long list of ingredients. The sauce is velvety, rich, and garlicky, thanks to a simple mix of cream cheese, milk, butter, and Parmesan.

This is the kind of pasta that feels special enough for date night but is easy enough for a weeknight. Toss it with your favorite long noodles, shower it with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and dinner is ready in about half an hour.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Pasta

A bowl of Cream Cheese Pasta checks every comfort-food box. The sauce clings to every strand of pasta, giving you that ultra-creamy bite without needing a roux or a long simmer.

It also happens to be incredibly flexible. Keep it as a simple meatless main, or bulk it up with chicken, shrimp, peas, or broccoli. You can add more milk for a lighter sauce or a splash of cream for extra decadence.

What Kind of Pasta Is Best for Cream Cheese Pasta?

Cream Cheese Pasta works with just about any shape, but long noodles shine here. Fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti give you lots of surface area for that silky sauce to cling to.

If you prefer shorter shapes, penne, rigatoni, or shells are great options because they trap the creamy sauce in their nooks and crannies. Use traditional wheat pasta, gluten-free, or even whole wheat depending on your preferences—just be sure to cook it to al dente so it doesn’t get mushy once tossed with the sauce.

Ingredients

To keep this Cream Cheese Pasta extra creamy and flavorful, you’ll need just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to build richness and balance.

Pasta – Long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti is ideal because it holds onto the sauce beautifully, but any favorite shape works.
Butter – Adds richness and gives the garlic a flavorful base to sauté in.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and depth to the sauce.
Cream cheese – The star of the recipe; it melts into a silky, tangy sauce that feels luxurious.
Milk – Thins the cream cheese into a pourable sauce without making it heavy; whole or 2% milk both work.
Heavy cream (optional) – For an extra-indulgent sauce that’s ultra velvety.
Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Reserved pasta water – The starchy water helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta.
Salt – Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce.
Black pepper – Balances the richness with a gentle bite.
Red pepper flakes (optional) – Adds a subtle heat that cuts through the creaminess.
Fresh parsley – A bright, fresh finishing touch that keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.

How To Make Cream Cheese Pasta

Once the water is boiling, this Cream Cheese Pasta comes together quickly. Have everything measured and ready so the sauce stays smooth and lump-free.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside—you’ll use it to adjust the sauce later. Drain the pasta and keep it warm.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Melt the Cream Cheese

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30–60 seconds, being careful not to let it brown. Stir in the cream cheese cubes and let them soften, stirring frequently as they begin to melt.

Step 3: Build the Silky Sauce

Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly so the cream cheese and milk come together into a smooth sauce. If using, pour in the heavy cream for a richer texture. Keep the heat on medium-low so the sauce doesn’t scorch or separate.

Once the mixture is smooth, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until it has fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the cream cheese sauce. Toss gently with tongs until every strand is coated. If the sauce looks too thick or sticky, splash in a little reserved pasta water at a time until you reach a glossy, creamy consistency that clings to the noodles.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and taste for seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and irresistibly creamy.

Serving Cream Cheese Pasta for Dinner

Cream Cheese Pasta is hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone main dish, especially when paired with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread or roasted vegetables.

This recipe comfortably serves about 4 people as a main course, or up to 6 people as a smaller side dish alongside protein like grilled chicken, steak, or salmon. For a more filling meal, you can stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon, steamed broccoli, or peas directly into the pasta.

How to Store Cream Cheese Pasta

Like most cream-based pastas, Cream Cheese Pasta is best enjoyed fresh from the pan, but leftovers can definitely be saved.

Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is cream-based, it will thicken and firm up once chilled.

To reheat on the stovetop, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or a bit of water. Stir gently as it warms, adding more liquid as needed until the sauce loosens back up and turns creamy again. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.

You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a spoonful of milk, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warm and creamy.

Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe, as the cream cheese sauce can become grainy once thawed. If you do attempt it, expect the texture to change; reheat very gently with extra milk or cream to help smooth it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this pasta?
You can use low-fat cream cheese, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or silky. Full-fat cream cheese melts more smoothly and gives you that classic restaurant-style creaminess. If you use low-fat, consider adding a little extra Parmesan or a splash of cream to boost richness.

Do I need to soften the cream cheese first?
Softening the cream cheese helps it melt quickly and evenly into the sauce. If you add it straight from the fridge, it can take longer to break down and may leave small lumps. Cut it into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while the pasta water comes to a boil.

What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a bit of reserved pasta water or extra milk a splash at a time until it’s glossy and coats the pasta. If it’s too thin, let it simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring often, until it reduces and thickens, or add a bit more Parmesan cheese to help tighten it up.

Can I add protein or vegetables to Cream Cheese Pasta?
Absolutely. This recipe is a perfect base for additions. Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, bacon, Italian sausage, or even canned tuna for extra protein. For vegetables, cooked broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cherry tomatoes all pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.

How can I make this pasta ahead of time?
For the best texture, cook the pasta and make the sauce just before serving. However, you can prep components ahead by grating the Parmesan, chopping the garlic and parsley, and cubing the cream cheese. If you must cook it in advance, undercook the pasta slightly, then reheat gently with extra milk or cream and a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If Cream Cheese Pasta is your kind of cozy comfort, you’ll love these other creamy, satisfying pasta dinners too:

Try Alfredo Chicken and Broccoli Pasta when you want extra protein and veggie-packed goodness in every bite.
Make a batch of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight meal.
Craving something with a bit of heat? Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta brings creamy sauce with a spicy kick.
For another ultra-comforting option, bake up Chicken Rigatoni Alfredo with bubbly, golden cheese on top.

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When you make it, let me know how it turned out. Did you keep it simple, or did you add chicken, shrimp, or a handful of veggies? Did you go spicy with extra red pepper flakes?

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Cream Cheese Pasta