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Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese

Ultra-creamy, cheesy spaghetti that comes together in under 30 minutes — a comfort food classic loaded with garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 large servings or 3–4 smaller side portions 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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).
  3. 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.
  4. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. 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.
  6. Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for extra protein. Spinach or broccoli are great veggie additions. For spice, try red pepper flakes. Swap with fettuccine, penne, or even zucchini noodles for variation.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cheesy spaghetti, garlic parmesan pasta, cream cheese pasta, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner