When comfort food is the craving, nothing hits the spot like a big bowl of Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti with Cream Cheese. This dish is rich, ultra-creamy, and packed with garlicky goodness — thanks to a luscious sauce made with butter, cream cheese, milk, Parmesan, and plenty of garlic.
It’s simple to make, budget-friendly, and endlessly comforting. Perfect as a quick main dish, or serve it as a satisfying side to grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies.
🛒 Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ¾ cup milk (2% or whole)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Make the garlic cream cheese sauce
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
3. Add cream cheese and milk
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Slowly whisk in milk until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
4. Stir in Parmesan and seasoning
Add the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety.
5. Toss pasta with sauce
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If needed, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce.
6. Serve hot
Serve immediately, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
🍽 Nutrition Info (per serving – serves 4)
- Calories: 520
- Carbs: 55g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
Nutrition may vary slightly based on the brand of ingredients.
✅ Tips & Tricks
- Cream cheese tip: Let it soften at room temperature so it melts quickly and smoothly.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Want more flavor? Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
This creamy spaghetti pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken or pan-seared shrimp
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Garlic bread or a fresh garden salad
It also makes a great vegetarian main dish on its own!
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