If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and impossibly easy to whip up, this Best Easy Cream Cheese Pasta might just be your new go-to recipe. Imagine tender strands of pasta coated in a silky, cheesy sauce with just the right amount of garlic and herbs. It brings restaurant-style flavor to your table in under 30 minutes, and it all starts with one humble block of cream cheese.

This dish is perfect for those evenings when you want something rich but don’t have the energy (or ingredients) for an elaborate meal. You don’t need heavy cream, flour, or even a roux—just a few pantry staples and a craving for something irresistibly creamy. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Cream Cheese Pasta?

You can use any pasta you have on hand—truly. Spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even rotini work beautifully with this sauce. The cream cheese coats every curve and strand, making every bite luscious. For the creamiest texture, pasta with ridges (like rigatoni or fusilli) can grab onto more sauce.

Ingredients for the Best Easy Cream Cheese Pasta

Pasta: This is the base of your dish. Go with spaghetti for a classic feel or rotini for more texture.
Cream Cheese: The heart of the sauce. It brings creaminess and a subtle tang that mimics a light Alfredo.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings bold flavor and depth.
Butter: Adds richness and helps mellow out the tang of the cream cheese.
Milk: Helps loosen the cream cheese into a smooth sauce without making it too heavy.
Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but adds extra umami and a salty finish.
Salt & Pepper: To season your sauce perfectly.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herby pop to finish the dish.

How To Make the Best Easy Cream Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook your favorite pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to let it brown.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

Reduce heat to low and add in the cream cheese. Stir continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy texture. It will look thick—don’t worry!

Step 4: Loosen with Milk

Gradually add the milk to the skillet, stirring to combine until the sauce becomes silky and smooth. You can add more or less milk depending on your preferred consistency.

Step 5: Toss in the Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat every strand. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Add Parmesan and Season

Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using), then season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serving and Storing Cream Cheese Pasta

Serve this pasta immediately while the sauce is warm and velvety. It pairs beautifully with a side salad, roasted veggies, or even grilled chicken if you’re looking to add protein. For an extra special finish, sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan and a few red pepper flakes.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and revive its creamy texture. Microwaving works, but gently reheating on the stovetop gives the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes! It will still create a creamy sauce, though the full-fat version gives a richer flavor. Avoid fat-free cream cheese as it won’t melt as smoothly.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken. A pinch of Italian seasoning or a touch of crushed red pepper can add depth, too.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy milk, but results may vary. The texture won’t be exactly the same, but it can still be tasty.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Reserve some pasta water and add a splash as needed to thin the sauce once the pasta is mixed in.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Not really. Cream cheese sauces tend to separate when frozen and reheated, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your pan is large enough to handle the extra volume of sauce and pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this creamy delight hits the spot, you’re going to love trying these next:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina Pinterest Recipes

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up with chili flakes or keep it cozy and simple? I love hearing your twists and takes—questions welcome too!

Best Easy Cream Cheese Pasta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Best Easy Cream Cheese Pasta is the ultimate quick comfort food—creamy, garlicky, and full of rich flavor without needing heavy cream or a complicated roux. It’s the kind of meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes with basic ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta (spaghetti, rotini, or your favorite)

4 oz cream cheese (half a standard block)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup milk

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until smooth and melted.

4. Slowly add the milk, stirring until the sauce becomes creamy and silky. Adjust thickness with more milk or reserved pasta water as needed.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using), then season with salt and pepper.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.