Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of luxuriously creamy pasta that comes together faster than you can say "dinner is served"! This Italian Pasta with Cream Cheese is about to become your new weeknight hero - a dish so decadent yet so simple that it'll make you feel like a gourmet chef in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a hungry student, or just someone craving a delicious meal without hours of preparation, this recipe is your culinary shortcut to pure satisfaction.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce by softening the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to become more pliable.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside. Grate the Parmesan cheese if not already prepared.
- When the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately transfer the hot pasta to the bowl with cream cheese. Add olive oil and start mixing, using some reserved pasta water to help create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese melts and combines with the cream cheese.
- Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Reserve pasta cooking water before draining; its starchy goodness helps create a silky, smooth sauce.
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- For extra richness, use full-fat cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to maintain a perfect texture.
- Add pasta water gradually when creating the sauce to control consistency.
- For a flavor boost, consider adding fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and creamiest texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 465kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 21g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 50mg
