Discover how this creamy pasta hack makes the best bowl of comfort food when you’re limited on dairy in your fridge. This Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce is quick, easy, and perfect in every way!

Love creamy sauces? Try our 3-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce or Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce. 

cream cheese pasta in a skillet. this recipe
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You Will Love This Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce!

 Creamy pasta dishes? Totally my weakness. Whether it’s those twirly noodles cuddled up with sun-dried tomato pesto, the lush and decadent creamy lemon and shrimp pasta, the classic mac and cheese (yeah, obviously!), or even spicy tomato sauce with a dash of cream – count me in!

Recently my kids asked for creamy pasta as we normally make our quick mac and cheese recipe but our fridge was practically empty on the dairy front, except for a block of cream cheese. I wasn’t expecting much –but making pasta sauce with cream cheese is a game-changer!

All you need are a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably have on hand. Then, everything comes together in a large skillet in a matter of minutes. By the end, you’re left with a decadent, creamy sauce full of rich, savory flavor. It beats anything you’d scoop out of a jar, hands down!

Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

ingredients for cream cheese pasta sauce.
  • Butter: Add richness while giving the sauce a silky texture. I recommend using unsalted butter to avoid an overpoweringly salty taste. 
  • Garlic: Gives the sauce a delicious, fragrant taste. Use whole cloves, not pre-minced varieties for the best results.
  • Cream cheese: Creates a rich, tangy flavor and a thicker consistency. Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese, not cream cheese from a tub. 
  • Milk: Combines the ingredients and enhances the creamy consistency. 
  • Parmesan cheese: Buy a block of parmesan, and grate it yourself for the best results. 
  • Herbs and spices: Parsley, salt, and pepper add a savory taste with refreshing notes. Then, we recommend adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth. 

How to Make Pasta Sauce with Cream Cheese

You’ll need a single large skillet for this recipe. The recipe card below has all the details you need. 

sauteed garlic in saute pan.

Step 1: Cook garlic in butter until fragrant, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it burn! 

cubed cream cheese with milk in saute pan.

Step 2: Add the cream cheese and milk. Whisk the sauce until it’s smooth and creamy. 

cream sauce with parmesan in saute pan.

Step 3: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese. Season sauce with salt and pepper, to taste.

fresh chopped parsley over cream sauce in pan.

Step 4: Stir in parsley. Toss sauce with cooked pasta of choice.

Variations for This Cream Cheese Sauce for Pasta

If you’re looking for an even more decadent cream cheese pasta sauce, here’s what you can add: 

  • Cheese: Add Pecorino Romano cheese for a robust, mature tang. 
  • Seasonings: Stir in Italian seasonings, basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes for a boost of flavor. 
  • Heavy Cream: Swap the milk with heavy cream for a luxuriously silky texture and ultra-rich taste. 
  • Veggies: Sauté onions and mushrooms to add extra depth and nutrients to the sauce. Or, stir in peas or spinach at the very end of cooking. 

How to Use This Easy Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce

This pasta sauce with cream cheese is extremely versatile! Use it with all your favorite pasta shapes.

Or, swap it out with the sauce in recipes like fettuccine alfredo and Shrimp Alfredo with Broccoli. Use it in a variety of bakes such as Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake or as a base to create Chicken Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna.

Then, don’t forget to add a side like Sourdough Garlic Bread, Gluten Free Cheese Bread, or Summer Squash Salad! 

How to Store Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce

Allow the sauce to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. 

Don’t worry if it hardens and becomes thick. This is completely normal! 

When you’re ready to eat, warm the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat on the stove. Add a splash of milk as needed, stirring frequently to loosen it back up. Do not let the sauce come to a boil, or the dairy may curdle! 

Unfortunately, this recipe does not freeze well as the dairy becomes grainy. Luckily, it’s quick and simple to make when you need a new batch. 

easy cream cheese pasta sauce garnished with parsley with a side of wooden spoon.

Pasta Sauce Recipe with Cream Cheese FAQs

Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, feel free to substitute cow’s milk with non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or oat milk.

Does cream cheese curdle when cooked?

Cream cheese will curdle when heated at a high temperature. Use medium to medium-low heat to soften the cream cheese so it doesn’t curdle.

How to melt cream cheese?

The easiest way to melt cream cheese is on the stovetop with a splash of liquid over medium to medium-low heat. Or if needed, in a microwave in 15 to 20-second intervals.

You May Also Like

Cajun Cream Sauce

Garlic Cream Sauce

Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

Creamy Mushroom Pasta Sauce

If you try cream cheese pasta sauce, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

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easy cream cheese pasta sauce garnished with parsley with a side of wooden spoon.

Pasta Sauce Recipe with Cream Cheese

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This easy cream cheese pasta sauce is a great alternative to Alfredo sauce when you’re craving creamy pasta but are limited on dairy at home.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 1/4 cups milk, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped parsley
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg, optional
  • 16 oz. pasta of choice, to serve

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, while stirring constantly. Do not allow the garlic to brown.
  2. Add cream cheese and milk. Allow the cream cheese to further soften and then whisk the sauce until creamy. At first, it will look clumpy but then smooth out. Keep the sauce at medium heat and do not allow it to come to a rapid boil.
  3. Whisk in Parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and then season with salt and pepper, as needed. If desired, add nutmeg. Stir in parsley. 
  4. The sauce will be creamy and thick so it’s best to toss it with cooked pasta right away. If desired, thin it out with more milk or some of the pasta water. 

Notes

  • Cream Cheese: Use brick-style cream cheese and not cream cheese from a tub.
  • Milk: I used whole milk but feel free to use lower-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. The sauce will be slightly less creamy.
  • Parmesan: If possible, grate the cheese yourself as it will melt better into the sauce. Do not use shredded cheese or it will clump up.
  • Leftovers: Sauce can be used right away or cooled and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. It’s normal for it to harden and become thick. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk if needed. Do not freeze this sauce as it will turn grainy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup sauce
  • Calories: 216
  • Sugar: 4.1 g
  • Sodium: 254.6 mg
  • Fat: 18.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.6 g
  • Protein: 6.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 54.2 mg