The rich aroma of cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine twirling your fork around those luscious strands while the melted cream cheese envelops each bite in a velvety embrace. The moment you take that first bite, blissfully surrendering to its savory goodness, you’ll know you’ve hit the comfort food jackpot.

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my family—there were smiles, happy dance moves in the kitchen, and requests for seconds that felt like I was hosting a pasta party rather than just dinner. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering with friends, this cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti is ready to steal the show.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests
- Its rich flavors will leave everyone asking for more
- The vibrant presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece on any table
- Best of all, it’s adaptable; add veggies or protein as you please!
Sometimes I feel like a culinary magician when I whip up this dish—everyone’s eyes widen in delight when they see it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Spaghetti: Opt for quality dried spaghetti; it holds the sauce beautifully and cooks evenly.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential for that robust flavor; minced or sliced works well.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for maximum creaminess; it blends beautifully into the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate your own if possible; fresh Parmesan adds depth and richness.
- Butter: A little bit of unsalted butter enhances the flavors without overpowering them.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and sautéing.
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t forget these essentials; they elevate every ingredient in your dish.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness at serving time.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Boil the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—this usually takes about 1-2 minutes.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat slightly before adding the cream cheese to the pan. Stir continuously until melted and smooth; then add grated Parmesan gradually while mixing.
Toss in Cooked Pasta: Drain your cooked spaghetti (reserve some pasta water) and add it directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated.
Season & Serve: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some reserved pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving!
Now you can enjoy your delicious cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti while basking in the praise from family and friends!
You Must Know
- Cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti and cream cheese creates a creamy, dreamy dish that’s both comforting and indulgent
- The rich flavors meld beautifully, making it perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests
- Quick to prepare, it can be a weeknight savior or a weekend delight
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the spaghetti while melting the cream cheese and preparing the garlic-parmesan sauce in a separate pan for optimal timing and flavor infusion.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cream cheese for mascarpone if you want an even richer flavor. Adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can brighten things up!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a perfectly creamy consistency, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and texture
- When cooking spaghetti, reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed
Creating cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti and cream cheese has become my go-to dish for gatherings; it always impresses friends with its delightful flavors.
FAQ
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work well with cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti and cream cheese.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Consider using low-fat cream cheese or incorporating more vegetables to lighten it up.
What goes well as a side dish?
A simple green salad pairs beautifully with cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti and cream cheese for balance.

Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cheesy garlic parmesan spaghetti with cream cheese is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. It’s quick to make and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Fresh garlic
- Cream cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Unsalted butter
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Boil spaghetti in salted water until al dente, following package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Reduce heat, add cream cheese, and stir until melted. Gradually mix in grated Parmesan.
- Drain spaghetti (reserve some pasta water) and combine it with the creamy sauce in the skillet. Toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper; add reserved pasta water if needed for a thinner sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg