Description
Cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese delivers a comforting Italian-inspired pasta experience. Pasta lovers will savor this creamy, indulgent dish that combines rich flavors and simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ¾ cup (75 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, for boiling water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil water with generous salt and cook spaghetti until perfectly al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta, preserving its potential for sauce absorption.
- Flavor Foundation: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence without burning, creating a robust base layer.
- Sauce Creation: Introduce heavy cream to the skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Whisk cream cheese into the liquid, ensuring complete integration and developing a silky, luxurious sauce texture.
- Cheese Incorporation: Fold grated Parmesan into the developing sauce, stirring consistently to create a harmonious blend. Allow the mixture to thicken and deepen in flavor complexity for 2-3 minutes.
- Seasoning and Finishing: Adjust sauce with salt and pepper to balance flavors. Integrate drained spaghetti directly into the skillet, thoroughly coating each strand with the creamy garlic-infused sauce. Gently fold in fresh parsley for a vibrant herbal accent.
- Serving: Plate the spaghetti immediately while piping hot. Garnish with additional Parmesan shavings and a final sprinkle of parsley for an elegant presentation.
Notes
Prevent Pasta Sticking: Stir spaghetti continuously during initial cooking to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking throughout the pasta.
Cheese Melting Technique: Reduce heat when adding cheeses to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy sauce consistency without graininess.
Garlic Burning Prevention: Sauté garlic quickly on medium-low heat, watching carefully to release flavor without bitter burnt notes that can ruin the entire dish.
Dietary Modification Options: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter version; use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly alternative; replace dairy with vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast for plant-based adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg