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15-Minute Cream Cheese Spaghetti Recipe

This quick and easy Cream Cheese Spaghetti is a cozy, family-friendly pasta dinner that’s both creamy and cheesy. It comes together fast and uses simple, affordable ingredients—perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without fuss.

Think of this as a reliable mom‑approved shortcut: minimal prep, satisfying flavor, and plenty of room to customize. Use your favorite pasta, toss in vegetables or cooked meat for extra heartiness, or keep it simple for a light, comforting meal.

Why We Love Spaghetti With Cream Cheese

  • Fast to make: Ready in about 15 minutes—ideal for busy evenings.
  • Few ingredients: Only seven main components, most of which are pantry staples.
  • Flexible: Works with different pastas, added proteins or vegetables, and easy to adjust for picky eaters.
  • Comforting: The sauce is rich and silky, delivering a satisfying, cheesy bite every time.
top shot of cream cheese spaghetti in a white pot

Recipe Ingredients

  • 16 ounces dry spaghetti (or swap for fettuccine, penne, or gluten-free pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or substitute another neutral cooking oil)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced (or use garlic powder or jarred minced garlic)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature and cut into cubes (Neufchâtel works too)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano or Asiago are fine substitutes)
  • 2/3 cup reserved pasta cooking water, plus more if needed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley

How to Make Cream Cheese Spaghetti

whisking cream cheese sauce in a black skillet
white dutch oven with spaghetti and white cream sauce on top
  1. Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve about 2/3 cup of the cooking water before draining.
  2. Sauté the garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook 20–30 seconds until fragrant—do not let it burn.
  3. Make the sauce: Increase heat to medium-high. Add the cubed cream cheese and about 2/3 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Whisk until the cream cheese melted and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Finish the sauce: Whisk in the grated Parmesan. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Add additional pasta water a little at a time if you want a looser sauce.
  5. Combine with pasta: Drain the spaghetti and return it to the pot, or add the drained pasta directly to the skillet. Toss with the cream cheese sauce until the noodles are evenly coated.
  6. Garnish and serve: Top with cracked black pepper, red pepper flakes, and/or chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy.

Recipe Tips

  • Mind the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly—watch it closely so it becomes fragrant without turning bitter from burning.
  • Use pasta water: Starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the noodles and improves flavor. Add extra water to thin the sauce as needed.
  • Cube the cream cheese: Cutting the cream cheese into small cubes helps it melt uniformly and keeps the sauce smooth.
  • Season gradually: Parmesan adds saltiness, so taste the sauce before adding more salt.
cooked spaghetti in a white dutch oven

Serving Suggestions

This creamy spaghetti pairs well with simple additions or sides. Try adding cooked shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or crispy bacon on top for texture. A loaf of garlic bread or a green salad are great accompaniments that balance the richness of the sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

  • Store leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
  • When reheating, add a splash of water or a little milk and warm gently to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Equipment

  • Pasta pot or large pot for boiling noodles
  • Large skillet for the sauce
  • Whisk or spoon to combine the sauce

Recipe Details

Prep time: 5 minutes • Cook time: 10 minutes • Total time: 15 minutes • Servings: 6

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 450 kcal | Carbohydrates: 58 g | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 18 g | Saturated Fat: 9 g | Cholesterol: 45 mg | Sodium: 191 mg | Potassium: 221 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 3 g | Vitamin A: 544 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 101 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Use your preferred nutrition calculator for more precise information.