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To make Cream Cheese Spaghetti, you need the following ingredients: - 8 oz spaghetti - 4 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish You can make this dish even better with some fun add-ins: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Spinach or peas for extra veggies - Fresh herbs like parsley or chives for flavor Using the right tools can help you cook better: - A large pot for boiling spaghetti - A skillet for making the sauce - A wooden spoon for stirring - A measuring cup for liquids - A knife and cutting board for prep {{ingredient_image_1}} First, fill a pot with water and add salt. Bring this water to a boil. Next, add 8 oz of spaghetti. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the spaghetti and set it aside. In a large skillet, pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat this over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it smells great. Now, lower the heat. Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir it until it melts and mixes with the garlic. Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Keep stirring to make it smooth. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens a bit. Mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Now, add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce in the skillet. Toss it well to coat every piece of pasta. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess. Gently mix in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, letting them warm in the sauce for about a minute. Your dish is now ready to serve! Garnish it with chopped fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you want. Enjoy your creamy delight! To make your sauce creamy, use softened cream cheese. It blends better with the heavy cream. Stir it constantly until it melts smoothly. If the sauce gets too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This keeps it creamy without losing flavor. Let the spaghetti cool before storing. Use an airtight container for best results. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently on low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to help it stay creamy. Avoid overcooking the spaghetti. It should be al dente, or firm to the bite. Don’t skip the garlic; it adds great flavor. Also, remember to toss the spaghetti in the sauce well. This helps every bite taste delicious. Lastly, do not rush the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor in your dish. Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to control the richness of the sauce to your preference. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the spaghetti just until al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed with the sauce. Customize the Heat: Add more or less red pepper flakes according to your spice preference for a personalized kick. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well. For chicken, cook diced pieces in olive oil until golden. For shrimp, sauté them until pink and firm. If you prefer tofu, use firm tofu cut into cubes. Sauté until crispy. Mix the protein into the creamy sauce before adding the spaghetti. This step adds flavor and makes the meal heartier. If you want a vegetarian twist, consider using alternatives to cream cheese. Silken tofu blended until smooth can mimic cream cheese. You can also try cashew cream. Soak cashews in water and blend them until creamy. Both options keep the dish rich while making it plant-based. Adjust seasoning to match the cream cheese flavor for best results. Herbs and spices can elevate your Cream Cheese Spaghetti. Fresh basil adds a delightful touch. Try adding chopped parsley or thyme for extra flavor. For a little kick, red pepper flakes or crushed black pepper can spice things up. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. Experiment with different combinations to find what you love best. To keep your leftover cream cheese spaghetti fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta to room temperature first. This helps prevent excess moisture and keeps the dish tasty. Store the container in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, take the spaghetti out of the fridge. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water or cream to the pan. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring often. In the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap. Heat in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds. Stir between each burst to heat evenly. If you want to save your cream cheese spaghetti for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool it completely. Then, divide it into single portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the containers with the date. Your spaghetti can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. It will change the taste and texture a bit. The sauce may be less rich, but it will still be creamy. Just make sure to mix it well with the garlic and heavy cream. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap regular spaghetti for gluten-free pasta. There are many great options available, such as rice or corn-based pasta. Cook it as directed on the package. The cream sauce will still taste great with gluten-free pasta. Cream Cheese Spaghetti pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh garden salad - Garlic bread or breadsticks - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein These options will add flavor and balance to your meal. In this blog post, we explored the ingredients and tips for making creamy spaghetti. We covered the required items, optional add-ins, and essential tools. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and methods for achieving the perfect creaminess. We also discussed ways to customize your dish, store leftovers, and avoid common mistakes. Now you can enjoy this dish in many ways! Try it with different proteins or herbs. Your next pasta night can be a hit with these easy steps. Happy cooking!

Creamy Delight Spaghetti

A rich and creamy spaghetti dish with garlic, cream cheese, and Parmesan, topped with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Lower the heat and add the cream cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until melted and combined with the garlic.
  • Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring to create a smooth sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and then season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
  • Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute to warm them through.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust the thickness of the sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
Keyword basil, cheese, creamy, spaghetti, tomatoes