Are you craving a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that is both comforting and indulgent? Look no further than this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese! This rich, flavorful recipe is perfect for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something extra special. With the perfect blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and cream cheese, this pasta dish will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese, gather the following ingredients:
- Spaghetti – The base of this dish, cooked al dente for the perfect texture.
- Cream Cheese – Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Provides a savory, nutty flavor that complements the garlic and cream cheese.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with a savory aroma.
- Butter – A touch of butter helps create a smooth and velvety sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Gives the dish an ultra-creamy texture.
- Parsley – Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper – To season the pasta to your liking.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese:
- Cook the Spaghetti: Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions, typically around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cream cheese, allowing it to melt into the cream, creating a smooth sauce.
- Add the Parmesan: Once the cream cheese has fully melted, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce. Stir in chopped parsley for added freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cheesy garlic Parmesan spaghetti warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness with every bite!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese:
- Use Fresh Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, grate your Parmesan cheese from a block rather than using pre-grated cheese.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a little more cream cheese. For a lighter sauce, add more heavy cream.
- Add Protein: To make this dish heartier, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even bacon.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. The rich and creamy sauce envelops each strand of pasta, delivering a satisfying experience with every bite. The garlic adds a fragrant depth of flavor, while the Parmesan gives a savory bite that is perfectly balanced by the smooth cream cheese. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Final Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy pasta dish that’s loaded with cheesy, garlicky goodness, this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a must-try. It’s quick to make, requires only a few ingredients, and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Don’t forget to pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
Serving Tips for Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Enhance the flavor and presentation by topping the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. It adds a touch of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce.
- Pair with a Side Salad: This creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad, such as a simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad contrasts nicely with the rich pasta.
- Serve with Garlic Bread: To complete the meal, serve with a side of garlic bread or toasted baguette slices. The bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce, making for an even more satisfying meal.
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon. These proteins complement the creamy sauce and turn this dish into a full dinner.
- Serve Warm: This dish is best served immediately after preparation while the sauce is still warm and creamy. The texture and flavors are most enjoyable when freshly made.
Storage Tips for Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese:
- Refrigeration: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it sits, so be prepared to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
- Freezing: While pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t always freeze as well as others, you can freeze this dish if needed. Store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. When reheating, you may need to add a bit of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a little extra cream or milk to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Alternatively, you can microwave the pasta in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of liquid to help restore the creaminess.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese stays fresh and delicious, whether you’re enjoying it right away or saving it for later.
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute the spaghetti with other types of pasta such as fettuccine, penne, or linguine. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time? While this dish is best served fresh, you can make it ahead by preparing the sauce and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat the sauce and then toss it with freshly cooked pasta when you’re ready to serve.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add more cream cheese or reduce the sauce on low heat for a few extra minutes. You can also add a little grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with the garlic before adding the cream and cheese.
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cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is a rich, creamy pasta dish packed with garlicky goodness and a luscious cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknights or as a comforting side dish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- For the spaghetti:
- 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
- Salt, for boiling water
- For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 3/4 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the Parmesan cheese:
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Transfer the spaghetti to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.