cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese

This cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese is the ultimate comfort food! With its rich and creamy texture combined with the bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a delightful side for gatherings. It’s quick to prepare, making it a go-to recipe that will impress friends and family alike.

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Spaghetti:
• For the Sauce:
• How to Make cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese
• Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti
• Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 3: Combine Creams
• Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
• Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce
• Step 6: Season to Taste
• Step 7: Garnish and Serve
• How to Serve cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese
• Fresh Salad
• Garlic Bread
• Roasted Vegetables
• Grilled Chicken
• Wine Pairing
• Parmesan Crisps
• How to Perfect cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese
• Best Side Dishes for cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese
• Reheating cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of pasta?
• What can I substitute for cream cheese?
• How do I make this dish spicy?
• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in just 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan creates a luxurious sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish at your next dinner party—it’s sure to please everyone!
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it even heartier.
• Garlicky Goodness: If you love garlic, this recipe will satisfy your cravings with its aromatic flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make this cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot for boiling spaghetti
• Skillet for sauce preparation
• Whisk for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot for boiling spaghetti: A good-sized pot allows you to cook pasta evenly without overcrowding.
• Skillet for sauce preparation: Using a skillet helps in evenly distributing heat while melting the cheese and blending flavors.
• Whisk for mixing: A whisk ensures a smooth sauce by breaking up any lumps from the cream cheese.

Ingredients

For the Spaghetti:

• 300 g (10 oz) spaghetti
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 3/4 cup (75 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

How to Make cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese

Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Creams

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, followed by Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently until every strand is coated in that delicious creamy sauce.

Step 6: Season to Taste

Season with salt and black pepper as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese!

How to Serve cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese

Serving cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese is all about enhancing its creamy texture and rich flavors. Pair it with a few easy accompaniments to elevate your meal experience.

Fresh Salad

• A simple mixed green salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread

• Toasted garlic bread complements the garlicky flavor of the spaghetti and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a hearty side that pairs well with the creamy pasta, adding color and nutrition.

Grilled Chicken

• Tender grilled chicken offers additional protein, making this dish even more satisfying and filling.

Wine Pairing

• A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, enhances the flavors of the cheese and garlic in the dish.

Parmesan Crisps

• These crunchy snacks can serve as a delightful topping or side, giving an extra cheesy crunch to each bite.

How to Perfect cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese

Perfecting your cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese can take your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve creamy perfection.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t overcook the spaghetti: Al dente pasta holds up better against the creamy sauce and adds texture.
• Whisk thoroughly: Ensure that you whisk the cream cheese into the sauce until completely smooth for a velvety texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for maximum flavor.
• Garnish wisely: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness, enhancing the overall presentation of your dish.

Best Side Dishes for cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese

To enhance your meal, consider serving these delicious side dishes alongside cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese. Each option complements the flavors beautifully.

1. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy Caesar dressing creates a delightful contrast to the pasta’s richness.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Tender broccoli florets add a healthy touch while being easy to prepare—just steam until vibrant.
3. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a refreshing bite-sized treat.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil offers a light and flavorful starter.
5. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, cheeses, and marinated veggies provides variety and excitement on your plate.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles can be served as a low-carb complement to your creamy pasta dish.
7. Fried Mozzarella Sticks: Golden-brown mozzarella sticks add indulgence; serve them alongside marinara for dipping.
8. Grilled Asparagus: Seasoned grilled asparagus adds an elegant touch and is quick to prepare on the grill or stovetop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Ignoring the Salt: Not salting the boiling water can lead to bland spaghetti. Always add a good amount of salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking spaghetti for too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente, which means firm but cooked through.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Neglecting fresh parsley can reduce the dish’s freshness. Adding chopped parsley enhances flavor and adds a pop of color.
• Not Using Enough Garlic: Garlic is essential for flavor. Resist the urge to skimp on it; more garlic means richer taste.
• Forgetting to Adjust Seasoning: Underseasoning your sauce can lead to a bland dish. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• It can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or cream to a skillet over low heat. Stir until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese.

Can I use other types of pasta?

You can definitely use different pasta shapes like fettuccine or penne. The cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

If you’re looking for alternatives, mascarpone or ricotta cheese works well too. They will change the texture slightly but still create a creamy sauce.

How do I make this dish spicy?

To add spice, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños while cooking the sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian since it doesn’t contain meat. Just ensure any broths or additional ingredients you use align with vegetarian diets.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even proteins like chicken or shrimp. Enjoy this creamy delight!