Cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti and cream cheese

Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti and cream cheese, each bite bursting with creamy goodness. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and wraps you in a cozy embrace. The aroma wafts through the kitchen like a welcoming hug from an old friend.

The first time I made this dish, my friends were skeptical—”Cheese and cream together? Really?” But after one bite of this cheesy garlic goodness, they were all believers. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing unsuspecting guests at your next dinner party, this recipe promises to elevate any occasion. Trust me; the flavors are simply irresistible.

A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.

My family couldn’t stop raving about this dish the first time I served it—it quickly became our favorite comfort food!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Opt for high-quality dried spaghetti for the best texture; cook until al dente for optimal results.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic punch; avoid jarred varieties if possible.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for richer flavor; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness and ensures a smooth sauce; let it sit at room temperature before using.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control salt levels; it enhances the sauce’s creaminess.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil: Chopped herbs add color and freshness; feel free to substitute based on availability.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance flavors; adjust according to personal taste.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do.

Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—around 1 minute—being careful not to burn it.

Create the Sauce Base: Lower heat and add softened cream cheese along with half of the grated parmesan. Stir continuously until melted into a smooth mixture; enjoy that rich aroma!

Add Pasta Water: Gradually pour in about half a cup of reserved pasta water while stirring constantly. This helps achieve that luscious sauce consistency you crave.

Toss Everything Together: Add cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Mix well until every strand is coated evenly with that cheesy goodness.

Finish with Seasoning and Herbs: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Top with remaining parmesan and freshly chopped parsley or basil for extra flair before serving.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated when you can whip up something as delightful as cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti and cream cheese! Enjoy each mouthful as you bask in its comforting embrace—it’s truly food heaven on a plate!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the spaghetti until al dente while preparing the creamy sauce on the side. This way, everything comes together seamlessly without overcooking any ingredients.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the cream cheese for ricotta or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Sometimes, I whip up this dish when friends come over unexpectedly, and they rave about it every time! It’s become my go-to recipe for impressing guests with minimal effort.

FAQ

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes! Try mozzarella or even goat cheese for unique flavors and textures.

What can I pair with cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti?

This dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a fresh garden salad for balance.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Print

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti

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Cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese is a creamy, indulgent dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe delivers rich flavors and comforting textures.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz spaghetti
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Prepare the garlic sauce: In a large skillet, heat unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

3. Add cheese and pasta water: Lower the heat, then add the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheeses melt and combine into a creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking.

4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the cheesy garlic sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, consider incorporating sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.- If you prefer a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese or substitute it with ricotta.