Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe – An Easy 20 Minute Meal

Cream Cheese Pasta has become one of my favorite weeknight dinner recipes. Cooked pasta noodles that are tossed in an easy to make, homemade creamy sauce.

It is the perfect recipe when time is running short and you have no idea what to make. With just 8 common ingredients (that you most likely already have in your kitchen) dinner will be on the table in only 20 minutes!

It has become one of our favorite meals to make on Meatless Monday. And it is in the rotation of Friday meals that we make during the Lenten season.

However it is also a very versatile recipe that can be adapted in many ways. In fact, this recipe has been the starting point of many amazing meals that we make throughout the year.

That is because you can add countless numbers of vegetables to this recipe to make it take on its own unique taste. And for those who are turned off by this recipe because it doesn’t contain any meat, don’t worry!

Chicken, pork, and shrimp are all great additions to the creamy pasta dish. Switch it up each time and you have made a new and interesting meal that you will never tire of.

20 Minute Meal

As mentioned above, this cream cheese pasta recipe comes together in only 20 minutes. It is a life saver recipe on days when you think that you don’t have the time or energy to make something delicious for dinner.

Although you could throw a jar of Alfredo sauce over pasta noodles and call it a night, this recipe has much more depth and flavor. Not to mention that it comes together in the same amount of time.

In fact it takes longer to cook the pasta than it does to make the sauce. Therefore, you could actually make this a 10 minute meal if you have leftover pasta in the refrigerator.

What You Need To Make Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce

Pasta – Although my favorite pasta to use for this recipe is penne pasta, you could use any type of pasta that you prefer.

Butter – It is best to use unsalted butter for this recipe. You can always add more salt when serving.

Garlic – This recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic. However if you only have a jar of minced garlic, use 1 teaspoon. And if you aren’t a fan of garlic, decrease the amount to 1 clove.

Onion Powder – For the ease of the recipe onion powder is used in place of diced onion.

Dried Basil – Basil adds just a hint of sweetness to the creamy sauce.

Cayenne Pepper – Just a pinch of cayenne pepper gives the sauce great flavor without the heat. If you like more heat, definitely add a little more!

Cream Cheese – The cream cheese is the star of the show in this recipe. You will need half a block, therefore save the other half of the block to make Buffalo Chicken Dip to enjoy later.

Chicken Broth – The broth is what is used to thin out the cream cheese pasta sauce. If you don’t have broth you can use water however the sauce won’t be as flavorful.

Parmesan Cheese – The Parmesan cheese provides that distinct bold flavor that pairs perfectly with most pasta dishes.

Salt & Pepper – The classic spices to adjust any recipe to meet your own individual expectations.

Versatile Recipe

Add Vegetables – Feel free to add whatever vegetables that you prefer to this cream cheese pasta recipe. Diced red or green pepper, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, asparagus, corn, and broccoli are all great additions the creamy pasta sauce.

Add Protein – For those who want to add a little protein to your meal it is easy to do. Chicken, pork and shrimp pair well with the sauce.

However to keep things easy use the meat from a leftover rotisserie chicken or cook a chicken breast in an air fryer. Or purchase peeled and deveined shrimp and throw it in the sauce until it turns nice and pink.

Use The Sauce As A Dip or Spread – Yes, you can use the sauce for more than just pasta! Use it as a dip or spread and serve it with sliced vegetables, crackers or toasted baguettes.

Flavor Other Dishes – Freeze the sauce in ice cube trays and use the cubes to flavor other recipes. For instance, add a cube to your mashed potatoes to give it an extra creamy and cheesy taste.

Or add a block or two to hash brown potato soup, your favorite skillet salmon recipe, melt a cube and pour it on top of your omelet. The possibilities are endless!

Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 ounces of dry penne pasta, or other pasta of choice
• 1/2 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Kosher salt & ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish Ingredient (optional)

• Chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook pasta according to package directions. When you put the pasta in the boiling water begin to make the sauce. Place a medium sauce pan over medium heat and then add the butter.

Once the butter melts add the minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds or just until fragrant. You do not want the garlic to brown as it will become bitter.

Stir in the onion powder, basil and cayenne pepper powder. Then add the chunks of cream cheese to the skillet and whisk until completely melted.

Slowly add the chicken broth and whisk while it simmers for 4-5 minutes or until the sauce becomes slightly thick. Then remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

Continue to stir the cream cheese pasta sauce until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and thick. Season with additional salt, ground black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Drain the pasta, reserving 1 teaspoon of the pasta water. Pour the creamy sauce over the noddles and add the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce out if needed.

Toss until the pasta is well coated. Serve immediately.

Enjoy! Mary

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