Quick Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

Photo: Uncut Recipes

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There are days when you crave the comfort of simple, heartwarming dishes, and that's where Cream Cheese Pasta enters the scene. It's the kind of dish that effortlessly marries the elegance of Italian cuisine with the creamy allure of classic comfort foods. Imagine this: a hurried evening after a long day, and in less time than it takes to decide on a takeout menu, you've whipped up a dish that’s both sophisticated and soul-soothing.

This isn't just any pasta. It's the embodiment of culinary simplicity, where a handful of quality ingredients shine. The tang of cream cheese, the richness of olive oil, and the bite of freshly ground black pepper come together in a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. This recipe pays homage to those moments when less truly is more, and where cooking becomes less about the complexity and more about the joy of honest, straightforward ingredients.

So, the next time you're looking for a dish that feels both gourmet and like a hug in a bowl, remember this quick Cream Cheese Pasta. It's a nod to life's simple pleasures, and a celebration of flavors in their purest form. Bon appétit!

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INGREDIENTS:

Alternative to Pasta: You can use any shape or type of pasta for this recipe, such as spaghetti, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a slightly healthier touch.

Cream Cheese: The cream cheese acts as the primary creaming agent for the pasta sauce. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier texture. Brands differ in tanginess, so taste test a few to find your preferred flavor profile. Avoid spreadable variants sold in tubs as they might contain stabilizers, which can affect the sauce's consistency. Instead, go for block cream cheese.

Alternative to Cream Cheese: If you don't have Cream Cheese, Ricotta, Mascarpone can be used as alternative Italian ingredients, otherwise you can opt for Heavy cream, Half-and-half, Evaporated milk or Whole Milk & Rice Starch. They offer a creamy texture and neutral flavor base.

MAIN STEPS:

Pasta Cooking Time, Al Dente: Achieving that perfect al dente texture is crucial. Overcooking pasta can make it mushy, while undercooking results in an undesired hard center. Regularly test your pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time on the package to get it right. Remember that the pasta will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.

Pasta Water, a Secret Ingredient: When the directions mention reserving pasta boiling water, it's not just a casual suggestion. The starchy pasta water helps in emulsifying and thickening the sauce, allowing it to cling to the pasta better. While the recipe calls for half a cup, always save more than you think you might need. You can always add in extra to adjust the sauce consistency if it gets too thick.

Cream Cheese Melting: When melting cream cheese into the pasta water and olive oil, ensure that you're stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. If the sauce appears too thick or not smooth, a splash more of the reserved pasta water can help achieve the desired creamy consistency. On the flip side, if it's too runny, allowing it to simmer gently will thicken it up.

SERVED WITH:

Starter: Bruschetta al Pomodoro (Italy): Toasted slices of bread topped with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. This classic Italian starter provides a refreshing counterpart to the richness of the pasta.

Side Dish: Garlic Sauteéd Spinach (Mediterranean): Fresh spinach leaves quickly sautéed with garlic and olive oil. This simple side dish offers a slight bitterness and aroma that pairs beautifully with creamy dishes.

Salad: Caesar Salad (Mexico/USA): Crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and parmesan cheese tossed in Caesar dressing. This creamy salad with a hint of anchovy and garlic brings both texture and taste to the table.

Cake: Lemon Poppy Seed Cake (Central Europe): A moist, citrus-infused cake dotted with crunchy poppy seeds. The zesty nature of the lemon contrasts the creamy pasta, providing a palate cleanser.

Drink: Pinot Grigio (Italy): A light and crisp white wine with subtle citrus and floral notes. Its acidity and freshness can cut through the creaminess of the pasta, making it an ideal pairing.

ALTERNATIVES:

Appetizer: Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms (USA): White button mushrooms filled with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden. This bite-sized treat offers a delightful start to any meal.

Soup: Cheesy Potato Soup (USA): A heartwarming blend of potatoes, cream cheese, garlic, and herbs simmered to perfection. This soup's velvety texture and hearty ingredients make it an ideal comfort dish.

Main Course: Creamy Chicken Alfredo (Italy): Grilled chicken slices served over fettuccine pasta, drenched in a sauce made from cream cheese, garlic, and parmesan. A richer take on the classic Alfredo, this dish melds savory and creamy tones.

Side Dish: Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Tomatoes (France): Tomatoes filled with a mix of spinach, cream cheese, garlic, and breadcrumbs, then roasted. The tanginess of the tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.

Dessert: Cream Cheese Fruit Tart (Germany): A crisp tart base layered with a smooth cream cheese filling and topped with fresh fruits. The tart's creamy base is balanced by the fresh and tangy fruits.

Sandwich: Cream Cheese and Herb Bagel (New York, USA): A toasted bagel slathered with herbed cream cheese. The simplicity of this dish is its strength, making for a quick yet delightful snack or breakfast.

Drink: Cream Cheese Milkshake (Modern Fusion): A thick shake made by blending cream cheese, milk, sugar, and a touch of vanilla essence. The resultant drink is both rich and refreshing.

HISTORY:

The genesis of pasta dishes with creamy bases can be traced back to Italy, the global epicenter of pasta. However, cream cheese, as it's known today, has its origins in the United States, specifically in New York in the late 19th century. The fusion of these two iconic ingredients to create a "Quick Cream Cheese Pasta" is a more modern culinary invention, likely influenced by the amalgamation of culinary traditions due to globalization.

Italy is renowned for its creamy pasta dishes, with Alfredo being the most iconic. Traditional Alfredo sauce is made with butter and Parmesan, achieving a creamy consistency without the use of actual cream. Over time, different regions in Italy introduced variations, incorporating local ingredients.

TIPS:

Alternative Cooking Methods: For those without a stove or wanting a one-pot dish: Cook pasta in an Instant Pot or electric cooker, then use the "sauté" function to make and combine the cream cheese sauce directly in the same pot.

Emulsified Sauce: The starchy pasta water helps in emulsifying the sauce, giving it a silky consistency that clings better to the pasta.
Method: Before draining the pasta, reserve about a cup of pasta water. When combining pasta with the sauce, add this starchy water incrementally.

Enhanced Cream Cheese Flavor: Garlic adds a depth of flavor, complementing the tanginess of the cream cheese and making the sauce more aromatic.
Method: Briefly sauté some minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then melt the cream cheese into this mixture.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (1 Person) Cups (2 People) Cups (3 People) Cups (4 People) Cups (5 People) Cups (6 People) Cups (8 People) Imperial (1 Person) Imperial (2 People) Imperial (3 People) Imperial (4 People) Imperial (5 People) Imperial (6 People) Imperial (8 People) Metric (1 Person) Metric (2 People) Metric (3 People) Metric (4 People) Metric (5 People) Metric (6 People) Metric (8 People)

Directions:

Preparing the Pasta:

01 - Fill a pot with Water, adding a pinch of Salt, and bring to a boil.

02 - Once boiling, add the Pasta and cook as per the package's instructions until it's al dente (tender but still slightly firm to the bite).


While Cooking the Pasta:

03 - Scoop out about half cup of Pasta Boiling Water and pour it inside a large pan, and turn the heat to low-medium.

04 - Add to the pan, the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or Butter if you prefer) and the Cream Cheese and cook until the Cream Cheese has fully melted into a smooth Sauce.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Combining Pasta and Sauce:

05 - Drain the Pasta and combine it with the Cream Cheese Sauce inside the pan.

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06 - Season with Salt and Black Pepper to taste.

07 - Toss well to ensure the Pasta is fully coated in the Creamy Sauce and the Black Pepper is well distributed.


Serving:

08 - Transfer your Cream Cheese Pasta to a bowl or plates.

09 - If desired, top with some additional Black Pepper, a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or even some fresh herbs of your choice. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Notes:

Storing: Leftover Cream Cheese Pasta can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, it may benefit from a splash of milk or water to bring back its creamy consistency. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently.

Vegan Alternative: For a vegan version, you can substitute the cream cheese with vegan cream cheese and use olive oil instead of butter.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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