Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Posted on May 15, 2025

If you love ultra-creamy, cheesy pasta that comes together in under 30 minutes, this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is your new go-to comfort meal! It’s rich, flavorful, and loaded with garlic, butter, and ooey-gooey cheese — basically a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish brings big flavor with minimal effort. The cream cheese adds a luscious, velvety texture that takes this garlic parmesan spaghetti to the next level.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

This cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese is the perfect blend of rich, savory, and comforting. It’s incredibly easy to make — just a handful of ingredients and one pot! The cream cheese gives it that extra creamy, dreamy texture without needing heavy cream. Plus, the combination of garlic, butter, and parmesan creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and completely satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or pasta lovers, this recipe checks all the boxes. Bonus? It reheats like a dream!

Ingredients

You only need a few simple pantry and fridge staples to make this rich and creamy spaghetti. Here’s everything you’ll need:

8 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup milk (or pasta water, for a lighter option)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Follow these simple steps for cheesy, creamy pasta perfection:

Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Sauté the garlic
In the same pot or a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant (but not browned).
Make the creamy sauce
Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Pour in the milk (or reserved pasta water), whisking gently to create a creamy sauce.
Add the parmesan
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Combine with spaghetti
Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more milk or pasta water.
Garnish and serve
Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan if you like!

Servings and Timing

This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner for two or as a hearty side for a family meal. You can easily double it if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers for lunch the next day.

Servings: 2 large servings or 3–4 smaller side portions
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to make this cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese your own? Here are some easy ways to switch it up:

Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
Go green: Stir in fresh spinach or steamed broccoli for a pop of color and added nutrition.
Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!
Use different cheese: Try mozzarella for extra gooeyness or asiago for a sharper bite.
Pasta swap: Works great with fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

Storage

Got leftovers? No problem! This cheesy spaghetti stores well and makes for a delicious next-day meal.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended — the cream cheese sauce may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes! Low-fat cream cheese works fine, though the sauce may be slightly less rich. Full-fat gives the creamiest texture.

2. What kind of milk should I use?
Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but any milk (including almond or oat) can work in a pinch.

3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the spaghetti for your favorite gluten-free pasta.

4. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as your parmesan is made without animal rennet (check the label!).

5. Can I add more garlic?
Yes, go wild! If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to double it.

6. How do I keep the sauce from clumping?
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding, and stir continuously while melting it into the butter.

7. What can I serve with this?
Try it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor — everything you want in a quick and satisfying pasta dish. With just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s a perfect go-to recipe for busy nights or when you just need a cheesy carb hug.