Hungry Healthy Happy

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes To Your Inbox
  • Shop
×
Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Vegetarian

10 Minute Cream Cheese Pasta

Nov 18, 2024 · Written by Dannii Martin · This post may contain affiliate links which earn us commissions if purchases are made · 10 Comments

331 shares
  • 126
Diet: Vegetarian
Jump to Recipe

Creamy comfort food ready in just 10 minutes, this Cream Cheese Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. Keep it simple, or easy to adapt with a few extra ingredients, this creamy cheesy pasta dish has a silky smooth sauce and it is super budget friendly too. Turn plain pasta into something extra special, with no effort. This might just be the easiest pasta dish ever!

A large bowl of creamy spaghetti next to a bowl of olives and some broccoli.

This is so easy, it doesn't really even need a recipe. It was a staple in my student days and it felt far more fancy than it was - kind of like a budget carbonara. If you have cream cheese and spaghetti, a couple of extra ingredients make this really special.

Ready in 10 minutes, this quick cheese pasta is filling, guaranteed the kids will inhale it and easy to add in whatever other ingredients we have in the fridge.

Looking for other ways to use cream cheese? Try our Cream Cheese Fruit Dip, Easy Asparagus Tart, Salmon Gnocchi, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese, Tuna Stuffed Baked Potatoes, Leftover Chicken Pasta or Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms.

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love It
  • Ingredients and Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Step by Step
  • Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Extra Tips
  • Storage
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Pasta Recipes
  • Recipe
  • Feedback

Why You Will Love It

  • Just 10 minutes - This cream cheese pasta just takes as long as it takes for the spaghetti to cook. We used quick cook spaghetti to keep this meal under 10 minutes.
  • 6 ingredients - Minimal ingredients, and most of them you probably already have in your kitchen. You could just keep it simple with the cream cheese and spaghetti, but the extra ingredients are really worth it in our opinion.
  • Cheap - This is such a budget friendly meal. When it gets to the end of the month and money is a bit tight, this is always our go to. We always have spaghetti and cream cheese in, so that and the "secret ingredient" in this recipe make an easy and cheap meal.
  • Adaptable - Use this is a base recipe and then adapt it to suit your own tastes and it's a great recipe to use up leftovers. We have given so ideas below of our favourite ways to adapt it.

Ingredients and Substitutions

All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.

A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

  • Spaghetti - We used quick cook spaghetti to keep the recipe to just 10 minutes. However, you could use any pasta you like. We love spaghetti because the sauce really clings to it.
  • Cream cheese - The star of the dish! You want to use the best quality cream cheese you can (we use Philadelphia) as you will be able to taste the difference. A better quality one will be creamier, but if you wanted to keep it less expensive, than a supermarket brand one will be fine. You can use full fat or reduced fat, but the full fat one will have more flavour.
  • Parmesan - You can never have too much cheese, right? This makes it extra cheese and it has such a strong flavour too, so a little goes a long way.
  • Butter - An ingredient you probably always have in your fridge. We cook some garlic in butter to start off the sauce, and it adds some extra flavour to help cut through all the cheesiness.
  • Garlic - Optional, but totally recommended. Freshly crushed is always best, but you can use ready crushed garlic from a jar if you prefer.
  • Salt & Pepper - Season to taste.
  • Pasta water - This is our "secret" ingredient in every pasta dish and something that every Italian uses in their cooking. Adding a little bit of the starchy pasta water makes the sauce really silky smooth and cling to the pasta. It also loosens the sauce up a little, helping it go further.

Variations

  • Ham, bacon or chorizo - If you want to add some meat to this cream cheese pasta, then you can add chopped ham or cooked bacon or chorizo. If you like chorizo pasta, why not try our Chorizo Mac and Cheese recipe?
  • Leftover chicken - This recipe is a great way to use up leftovers. We like adding shredded chicken leftover from our Whole Slow Cooker Chicken.
  • Smoked salmon - A little bit of smoked salmon adds lots of flavour to this pasta and a little goes a long way.
  • Tuna - A cupboard staple in our house and flaking in a can of tuna doesn't add any extra time to this dish.
  • Mushrooms - When you are cooking the garlic in butter, add some thinly sliced mushrooms too. We love shiitake mushrooms.
  • Cherry tomatoes - These not only add colour, but a little pop of flavour when you bite into them too.
  • Spinach or rocket - We love finding ways to add more greens to our meals and wilting spinach into the sauce is an easy way to do that. You could also add rocket lettuce (arugula), which adds a nice peppery flavour.
  • Peas and sweetcorn - If you want an easy way to add some extra vegetables to this dish, then add some frozen peas and sweetcorn to the pasta and cook at the same time.
  • Asparagus - We finely chop some asparagus and cook it at the same time as the garlic and it adds a nice bit of crunch.
  • Goats cheese - If you don't want to use Parmesan, then melting some goat's cheese into the sauce works well and it makes it extra creamy.
  • Gnocchi - If you fancy something a little different from pasta, but still keeping it ready in under 10 minutes, then use gnocchi instead
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes or olives - Give this dish a Mediterranean vibe by stirring in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olive or artichokes in oil from a jar.
  • Fresh herbs - You can lighten the whole dish up by sprinkling over some fresh basil before serving.

Step by Step

Spaghetti in a pan of water.
  1. Step 1: Put the spaghetti into a pan of boiling water, return to boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Minced garlic frying in butter in a pan.
  1. Step 2: Melt the butter in a pan and then add the garlic. Cook on a low heat for 4 minutes.
Cream cheese added to the pan.
  1. Step 3: Add the cream cheese, Parmesan and salt and pepper to the garlic butter and cook on a low heat.
The cheese melted into a sauce.
  1. Step 4: Stir until melted - this is the cream cheese pasta sauce.
Cooked pasta added to the cheese sauce.
  1. Step 5: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving some of the pasta water and add the pasta and water to the cheese sauce.
The spaghetti mixed into the cheese sauce.
  1. Step 6: Stir well to coat all of the spaghetti.

Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce

There is no need to spend ages making a creamy pasta sauce, as you can make an incredible one with some cream cheese, Parmesan and starchy pasta water. If you have ever just stirred cream cheese into cooked pasta before, you will know that it ends up really dry and not very enjoyable, but pasta water totally changes that.

Adding starchy pasta water (just 100ml is enough) to a fat like butter will create an emulsion and this gives a really silky smooth sauce and helps it cling to the pasta. Make sure you scoop out the water just before draining, as this ensures that it is nice and starchy.

As for the cream cheese itself, we like to use full fat Philadelphia, as it has the best flavour and it isn't watery like some of the cheaper ones can be.

Serving Suggestions

Everyone know that garlic bread and pasta are a match made in heaven. Carby heaven! Either buy some ready made, or make your own easy garlic bread by cutting up some French stick and spreading it with a mix of butter, crushed garlic and dried herbs. Then pop it in the oven for 10 minutes.

You could also keep it simple with a big green salad. The key to an epic green salad is to use a variety of greens, like romaine, spinach, kale and rocket. You want leafy greens, but crunch too. Then you need the perfect dressing. Why not try our Lemon Vinaigrette, Honey and Mustard Dressing or Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette. You could also try our Grilled Little Gem Salad.

If you want to add a big side of vegetables, then we recommend our Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli, Garlic Green Beans, Air Fryer Carrots, or Roasted Lemon Asparagus.

A fork with spaghetti twirled around it.

Extra Tips

  • To make this cream cheese pasta even quicker, use some fresh tagliatelle which is ready in a few minutes.
  • Don't forget to reserve some of the pasta water. You really don't want to skip this step, as it makes the sauce so silky.
  • If you like your food spicy, then add a sprinkle of red chilli flakes on top before serving.
  • Add a splash of olive oil to the pan before serving for an extra boost of flavour.
  • Serve with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper if you like.

Storage

Store: If you have leftovers, then you can store it in an air tight container in the fridge until the next day.

Freeze: We wouldn't recommend freezing this cream cheese pasta because it has a strange texture once defrosted.

Reheat: You can reheat this in a frying pan on a low heat. Add a splash of full fat milk to the pan to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I have to reserve the pasta water?

Because it's an easy way to make the sauce really silky smooth, with no extra effort.

Is cream cheese pasta gluten free?

If you use your favourite gluten free pasta and make sure that there is no cross contamination, then this is a delicious gluten free meal.

More Pasta Recipes

  • Blue cheese pasta on a plate with a fork.
    Blue Cheese Pasta
  • Spinach and ricotta pasta bake in a white baking dish.
    Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake
  • Easy Marmite Pasta in a bowl topped with cheese and chopped herbs.
    Easy Marmite Pasta
  • Cauliflower mac and cheese in a white baking dish.
    Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

If you’ve tried this cream cheese pasta recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

Recipe

10 minute cream cheese pasta in a bowl.

10 Minute Cream Cheese Pasta

By: Dannii Martin
Creamy comfort food ready in just 10 minutes, this Cream Cheese Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. This might just be the easiest pasta dish ever!
An illustration of a v-shaped plant.
Vegetarian
4.95 from 19 votes
Pin Print Save recipe Saved!
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: British, Italian
Prep: 1 minute min
Cook: 9 minutes mins
Total: 10 minutes mins
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 549kcal
Allergens:
An illustration of a carton of milk.
Dairy
An illustration of two ears of wheat.
Gluten

Ingredients

  • 140 g (5 oz) Spaghetti
  • 20 g (1.5 tablespoon) Butter
  • 3 Garlic clove - crushed
  • 130 g (0.66 cups) Cream cheese
  • 25 g (0.25 cups) Parmesan
  • 80 ml (0.33 cups) Pasta water
  • 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Put 140 g Spaghetti in a pan of boiling water, return to boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Melt 20 g Butter in a pan and then add 3 Garlic clove. Cook on a low heat for 4 minutes.
  • Add 130 g Cream cheese, 25 g Parmesan and 1 pinch Sea salt and ground black pepper to the garlic butter and cook on a low heat.
  • Stir until melted.
  • Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 80 ml Pasta water and add the pasta and water to the cheese sauce and stir well.

Recipe Tips

  • To make this cream cheese pasta even quickly, use some fresh tagliatelle which is ready in a few minutes.
  • Don't forget to reserve some of the pasta water. You really don't want to skip this step, as it makes the sauce so silky.
  • If you like your food spicy, then add a sprinkle of red chilli flakes on top before serving.
  • Add a splash of olive oil to the pan before serving for an extra boost of flavour.
  • Serve with extra parmesan and cracked black pepper if you like.

Nutritional Information

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 487mg | Potassium: 278mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1221IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 238mg | Iron: 1mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.

You'll love these too...

  • A red bowl full of cottage cheese tzatziki.
    Cottage Cheese Tzatziki
  • A bowl of high protein potato salad with a serving spoon in it.
    High Protein Potato Salad
  • A red bowl full of Greek yogurt coleslaw.
    Greek Yogurt Coleslaw
  • Halloumi tray bake on a wooden surface.
    Halloumi Tray Bake with Gnocchi and Vegetables

Comments

  1. Ella Rush Mckay says

    November 03, 2022 at 5:27 pm

    WOW JUST WOW. This recipe is delicious, albeit i didn’t actually follow the measurements or recipe or anything but I used the idea and mmmmmm how amazing it was

    Reply
  2. Gina says

    September 09, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    5 stars
    Can't go wrong with a 10 minute meal! Love how flexible this is to add whatever it is you have on hand and make it an easy meal.

    Reply
  3. Beth says

    September 09, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    5 stars
    My family just loved this. They are asking for it again already. I think next time I will add some crispy bacon.

    Reply
  4. Carrie Robinson says

    September 09, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    5 stars
    I just love how quickly this comes together! So perfect for busy weeknights when you are short on time. :)

    Reply
  5. Danielle Wolter says

    September 09, 2021 at 11:44 am

    5 stars
    What a yummy easy to make meal. Can't wait to make this again!

    Reply
  6. Beth Sachs says

    September 09, 2021 at 11:34 am

    5 stars
    A perfect kid -friendly pasta dish for busy weeknights!

    Reply
  7. Dionne says

    September 08, 2021 at 5:41 pm

    5 stars
    So simple and absolutely delicious - does pasta get any better than this?!

    Reply
  8. Tavo says

    September 08, 2021 at 5:16 pm

    5 stars
    This was so simple and delicious! Love that kind of recipe! Thanks!

    Reply
  9. Katherine says

    September 08, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    5 stars
    You had me at 10 minutes! This looks so tasty and creamy.

    Reply
  10. Jen says

    September 08, 2021 at 4:53 pm

    5 stars
    I love how creamy and flavorful this pasta is! Such an easy, yummy dinner. The pasta water really does help give it a silky texture.

    Reply
4.95 from 19 votes (10 ratings without comment)

Made this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dannii with a sunset behind her.

Welcome

My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.

Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

About me...

Salad Recipes

  • Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad in a white dish surrounded by crumbled feta.
    Roasted Vegetable Winter Salad
  • A plate of kale, watermelon and feta salad surrounded by watermelon slices.
    Kale, Watermelon and Feta Salad
  • A large bowl of chickpea tuna salad with a serving spoon in it.
    Chickpea Tuna Salad
  • Chopped Blue Cheese Salad in a large white bowl.
    Chopped Blue Cheese Salad
  • A bowl of watercress salad with a wooden fork and spoon in it.
    Watercress Salad
  • Little Gem Salad in a round white bowl.
    Little Gem Salad

Recipe Books

The Hungry Healthy Happy book cover.
The healthy slow cooker book cover.
the front cover of The Picky Plate eBook.

Popular Recipes

  • Leftover chicken pasta on a black plate.
    Leftover Chicken Pasta
  • Mediterranean Rice Salad in a large round serving dish.
    Mediterranean Rice Salad
  • Fourteen healthy flapjacks on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Healthy Flapjacks
  • A tortilla chip being dipped into some nacho cheese sauce.
    2 Minute Nacho Cheese Sauce
  • Sticky Ginger Beef in a bowl with rice and broccoli.
    10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef Mince
  • Baked Egg Tortilla in a round baking dish.
    Baked Egg Tortilla (Tortilla Quiche)

Footer

Help & Information

  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy
  • Advertising
  • Blog

About us

  • About us
  • Newsletter Sign Up!
  • Press enquiries
  • FAQ

Follow us


Featured in

A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

As an Amazon Associate we earn certain commissions from qualifying purchases. By using our site, you agree that we can collect and use your data. Our privacy statement has more details.

Copyright © 2011-2024 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved

  • 126

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.