Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta: The Ultimate Guide to Deliciousness
Creamy, comforting pasta with a rich smoked cream cheese sauce, Parmesan, and garlic. Customize with your favorite toppings!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces smoked cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: cooked bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled chicken or shrimp
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Make the Smoked Cream Cheese Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese and smoked cream cheese to the skillet.
- Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cream cheese sauce. Toss the pasta to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve the Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta immediately. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as cooked bacon crumbles, chopped green onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled chicken or shrimp.
Notes
- Smoked Cream Cheese: If you can’t find smoked cream cheese, substitute with regular cream cheese and a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Pasta Shape: Penne or rotini are recommended, but any pasta shape will work.
- Garlic: Garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic (1/2 teaspoon).
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or milk can be used for a lighter sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be substituted.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Omit if you don’t like spicy food.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit bacon and add vegetarian toppings.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.
- Make Ahead: Sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little milk or water.
Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/smoked-cream-cheese-pasta/