Easy Parmesan and Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
Indulge in the creamy, comforting flavors of this Easy Parmesan and Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce—a quick and irresistible choice for busy weeknights! Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this velvety sauce comes together in only 15 minutes, transforming simple pasta into a gourmet delight. The combination of garlic-infused butter, softened cream cheese, and freshly grated Parmesan creates a rich and luxurious texture, perfectly complemented by a hint of Italian seasoning. Adjust the sauce’s consistency with reserved pasta water for a silky finish, and serve it over your favorite pasta for a meal the whole family will love. Perfect for fans of creamy pasta recipes, this easy-to-make sauce is guaranteed to elevate your dinner game!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 3 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 4 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoons Dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup Pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
Instructions
Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions in salted water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Add the softened cream cheese to the saucepan. Stir frequently and break it apart until it begins to melt.
Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously to create a smooth mixture.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and serve immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1077 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 92.0 g | 118% | |
| Saturated Fat | 55.7 g | 278% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 293 mg | 98% | |
| Sodium | 3155 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.0 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.1 g | ||
| Protein | 48.6 g | 97% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.8 mcg | 14% | |
| Calcium | 1326 mg | 102% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 552 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
