Ingredients
- 200g pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or any preferred shape)
- 100g cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 to 1 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat. Sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add chili flakes if using.
- Stir in the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss to coat with the sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with extra olive oil, black pepper, and Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Add sautéed or roasted vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for variety.
- Top with arugula, basil, or cherry tomatoes for freshness.
- Include proteins such as grilled chicken, prawns, or sausage for a heartier meal.
- Enhance flavor with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or marinated artichokes.
- Use short pasta shapes for better reheating if storing leftovers.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
