Description
Craving something warm, creamy, and incredibly comforting? This Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese Pasta is the ultimate quick dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With just a few pantry staples like butter, cream, and garlic, and a secret boost from cream cheese, this easy recipe transforms into a luxurious, restaurant-style meal in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a satisfying comfort food fix. Great for quick dinners, indulgent pasta cravings, or foolproof food ideas.
Ingredients
1 pound fettuccine pasta
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the heavy cream, then add the cubed cream cheese. Stir constantly until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue mixing until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
5. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
6. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and gently toss to coat. Simmer on low for 1–2 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
For best results, use block cream cheese and freshly grated Parmesan.
Pasta water is the secret to adjusting sauce consistency perfectly.
Warm the cream cheese slightly before adding it to help melt faster.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, Alfredo sauce with cream cheese