This cream cheese pasta is what I make when we’re running low on groceries, and about all that’s left is pasta and a block of cream cheese. The sauce comes together with garlic, parmesan, and hot pasta water, so it turns into a creamy rigatoni dinner without heavy cream or a long ingredient list.

Two forks in a bowl of cream cheese pasta.

Best Creamy Pasta Recipe

This Cream Cheese Pasta is one of my favorite simple recipes to whip up. It’s made with basic ingredients I always have around and it tastes amazing!

Tips and Notes

Save the pasta water! The starchy water helps the delicate sauce really come together and creates a smooth, velvety texture.
Grate your own parmesan. Freshly shredded cheese always melts better.
Serve right away. While leftovers will keep fine in the fridge, the texture is best immediately after cooking.
Add extra flavor. This sauce is great on its own but you can add extra flavor by using garlic or onion powder, cumin, or Italian seasoning.

I like to make it with rigatoni pasta, but you can choose any pasta shape you like.

Just cook the pasta, then make your creamy sauce with a block of cream cheese, some parmesan, a little bit of pasta water, and a couple of garlic cloves.

So simple and so delicious!

Best Pasta Shapes for Cream Cheese Sauce

I love short noodles with some type of ridge or texture. They hold the sauce the best and are easy to eat. Think penne, rigatoni, shells, rotini, and ziti.

Easy Ways to Change the Flavor

To add more flavor to this easy pasta recipe, try using chicken broth in place of the starchy pasta water.

Also, try adding diced white onion, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, or garnishing with fresh basil.

How Do You Make The Pasta Sauce Creamy?

In order to make this easy sauce creamy, you’ll need to use a thin liquid in combination with the cream cheese.

The pasta cooking water makes the best option since it’s hot and full of starch. It thins out the cream cheese while making the sauce creamy and silky smooth.

Start with less and add more as needed until the sauce reaches the desired consistency. You don’t need a drop of heavy cream or milk since the cream cheese makes up the bulk of the sauce.

Top down view of cream cheese pasta in a serving bowl.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this easy pasta dish as a vegetarian entree with a side of garlic knots, simple sautéed asparagus, or easy oven roasted broccoli.

You can also serve it as a side dish paired with grilled shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or flat iron steak.

How Long Does Cream Cheese Pasta Last in the Refrigerator?

This cream cheese pasta is best served immediately, but if you do have leftover pasta it will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

To reheat, warm over low heat on the stove. Add a splash of milk, half-and-half, or heavy cream to moisten the sauce if needed.

Close up view of creamy pasta in a serving dish.

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