If you’ve been dreaming of a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re in for a real treat with this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe. It combines the rich silkiness of cream cheese and heavy cream with the sharp punch of freshly grated Parmesan, all brightened by the irresistible aroma of garlic. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, this recipe transforms simple spaghetti into an elegant yet cozy dish that satisfies every carb craving with a luscious, creamy sauce you’ll want to savor every bite of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Trust me, this recipe shows how a handful of straightforward, high-quality ingredients can come together to create magic. Each component plays its role—from the garlic that provides an aromatic base to the Parmesan that adds a nutty depth. The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream guarantees that silky texture that clings to every strand of spaghetti.
- 12 oz spaghetti: Choose your favorite pasta shape, but spaghetti works best for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps gently sauté the garlic, giving it a lovely golden flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh and fragrant, garlic is the star that boosts the overall flavor.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: Adds rich creaminess and a subtle tang that enriches the sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for sharp, nutty flavor and smooth melting.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Creates the luxurious base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adjust this to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Finishes the sauce with a silky sheen and buttery richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a bright, fresh pop of color and flavor as a garnish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—tender but with a little bite. Don’t forget to reserve about one cup of that starchy pasta water just before draining; it’s pure gold for adjusting your sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s incredibly fragrant and golden but not browned. This step perfumes the oil, laying a delicious foundation for your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium-low and add the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk to the skillet. Stir continuously to melt the cream cheese into the liquids, turning the mixture into a smooth, indulgent base that will cling beautifully to your pasta.
Step 4: Incorporate Parmesan and Adjust
Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and integrated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This will loosen the sauce just enough for perfect coating without losing that luscious creaminess.
Step 5: Finish with Butter and Seasoning
Stir in the unsalted butter until melted; this adds a silky finish and subtle richness. Then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Give the sauce one last good stir to meld all those flavors together.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your drained spaghetti directly into the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs, toss the pasta until every strand is evenly coated with that heavenly creamy garlic Parmesan goodness. This step ensures each bite is uniform, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Once your pasta is beautifully coated and hot, serve it up right away to enjoy it at its creamiest. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley if you like a splash of color and that fresh herbal note.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic finish — it brightens the dish with a fresh, subtle earthiness and adds gorgeous green contrast against the creamy sauce. You can also try a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads or roasted vegetables to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also works wonderfully to mop up every last bit of that silky sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or steamed broccoli into the spaghetti before serving. It transforms this simple creamy dish into a complete, vibrant meal that’s as pretty on the plate as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This creamy pasta stays good for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners during the week.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta, sauce and all, in a freezer-safe container. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat the spaghetti slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking, and adding a little milk or reserved pasta water as needed to bring back that silky texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this cream sauce?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is traditional here, fettuccine, linguine, or penne all work beautifully. The creamy sauce clings well to most pasta types, so feel free to use your favorite shape.
Is cream cheese necessary for the sauce?
Yes, cream cheese adds a richness and tang that heavy cream alone can’t deliver. It helps create that velvety, thick texture that defines this particular Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly less luxurious but still wonderfully tasty.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge, but it’s best to toss it with freshly cooked pasta at serving time for that perfect fresh finish.
What’s the best way to get the Parmesan cheese to melt smoothly?
Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded cheese, as the latter contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Adding the cheese gradually over low heat helps it dissolve evenly into the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a secret menu item to share among friends because it’s so good yet so approachable. It’s a fantastic way to elevate simple spaghetti into something special with minimal effort but maximum flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how easily comfort food magic happens in your kitchen.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and comforting creamy spaghetti recipe featuring a smooth sauce made from cream cheese, parmesan, and a touch of heavy cream. This easy-to-make pasta dish combines simple ingredients to create a luscious, satisfying meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Make the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Combine Ingredients: Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk to the skillet.
- Melt and Stir: Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Cheese: Gradually whisk in freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is fully combined and silky.
- Adjust Thickness: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in unsalted butter until melted and fully incorporated for extra richness.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce in the skillet.
- Coat Evenly: Use tongs to toss and coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta if desired for a fresh touch.
- Serve: Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamy best.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce thickness and helps the sauce cling to the pasta better.
- Using fresh parmesan cheese ensures a better melt and richer flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Do not overcook the garlic to avoid a bitter taste.
- This dish can be customized by adding cooked chicken or sautéed vegetables for variation.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
