Name: 10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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This 10-minute cream cheese pasta is my go-to when I need something quick, comforting, and totally satisfying. It’s creamy, rich, and made with simple ingredients I usually have on hand. Whether I’m cooking for myself or feeding a crowd, this recipe always delivers a cozy, delicious meal in no time.

10-Minute Cream Cheese Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and effortless this dish is. It comes together in just 10 minutes and costs very little to make. The creamy cheese sauce pairs perfectly with pasta, and it’s versatile enough to dress up with whatever veggies or proteins I have in the fridge. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or when I just want something warm and filling without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or any shape I have on hand)
Cream cheese
Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Garlic
Salt and pepper
Chili flakes (optional)
Pasta cooking water

Directions

I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Just before draining, I reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet over low heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant. If I want a little kick, I add chili flakes here.
I stir in the cream cheese and about ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, mixing until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Then I add the parmesan and stir well again.
I drain the pasta and add it to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until fully coated. If needed, I add a little more pasta water to reach the perfect consistency.
I serve it right away with an extra drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and more parmesan on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 generous servings or 3 smaller ones. It’s ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish, making it one of the fastest homemade pasta dishes I’ve ever made.

Variations

This pasta is super flexible, and I often switch it up based on what I have in the kitchen. Some favorite additions include:

Vegetables: sautéed or roasted spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, peas, asparagus, or bell peppers
Fresh toppings: arugula, basil, or halved cherry tomatoes stirred in at the end
Protein options: grilled chicken, cooked salmon, prawns, or even sautéed sausage
Flavor boosts: chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or marinated artichokes for a Mediterranean twist

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and warm it up gently in a skillet or the microwave. I prefer using short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne if I know I’ll have leftovers—they reheat better than long pasta like spaghetti.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, I can, though I find that full-fat cream cheese gives a richer and creamier sauce. Low-fat versions will still work if I’m looking for a lighter option.

What kind of pasta works best?

I often use spaghetti or fusilli, but any dried pasta works well. I just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up nicely in the creamy sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. I just swap the regular pasta for my favorite gluten-free version. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, it is. As long as I use vegetarian-friendly parmesan or cheese alternatives, it stays completely vegetarian.

Can I freeze this cream cheese pasta?

I don’t recommend freezing it. Cream cheese sauces tend to change texture after freezing and can become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a day or two.

Conclusion

Cream cheese pasta is my answer to fast, affordable comfort food. It’s incredibly simple but always feels indulgent and satisfying. Whether I keep it basic or add in extra veggies or protein, it never disappoints. This is one of those recipes I always come back to—and I’m pretty sure I’ll never get tired of it.