Description
A quick and creamy pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (225 grams) pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or any of your choice)
- 3/4 cup (160 grams) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated parmesan, plus more to serve
- 1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more to serve
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cooking water, plus more if needed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4-1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, reserving a cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over low flame and gently fry the minced garlic (and optional chili flakes) for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the cream cheese and about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water until a smooth, creamy emulsion forms.
- Add the parmesan cheese and mix well to combine.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat in the sauce, adding more cooking water as needed for creaminess.
- Serve immediately garnished with olive oil, extra parmesan, and black pepper.
Notes
For variations, use low-fat cream cheese or dairy-free alternatives. Adding protein like chicken or shrimp and experimenting with different cheeses can create unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian