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Craving comforting, flavorful pasta without the fuss? This one pot, 9 ingredient Cream Cheese Pasta is just the ticket! With the ideal balance of creamy richness and slightly tangy flavor, this recipe combines silky strands of pasta with a luscious, velvety Philadelphia cream cheese sauce kissed with garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Quick, easy, and super cheesy, this satisfying dish is the perfect busy weeknight meal or elegant dinner option.

“Very good! We used whole wheat macaroni since that’s what we had on hand. We didn’t have any parmesan and is still turned out delicious. Added chopped chicken and served with broccoli. Will be making again.”

– C.F
Overhead photo of cooked fettuccine pasta with Philadelphia cheese, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.

Update: This recipe was originally published in April 2022. It’s been updated to include more information about making cream cheese sauce for pasta, as well as pro-tips for customizing this recipe. 

If you’re a serial cheese lover or simply craving something savory and cheesy for dinner tonight, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you! This unpretentious cheesy cream cheese pasta recipe is perfect for your back pocket. You can serve this Philadelphia pasta as a weeknight meal for the whole family, or dish it up as a decadent, cozy meal perfect for a date night at home complete with a glass of bubbly.

Table of Contents

About this cream cheese pasta

It is super easy and is done without any fanfare, but it is anything but bland or boring. The combination of Italian seasoning, cream cheese, and parmesan gives the cheesy white sauce full-on, comforting flavors that will burst in your mouth. I also added a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a punch of heat that will tantalize your tastebuds. 

The pasta and the sauce are both cooked in a deep skillet or Dutch oven, which concentrates all the goodness of the aromatics, herbs, spices, and white wine into the dish. Not only will you be getting a flavorful dish in minutes, but clean-up will also be a breeze! And if you have some veggies in your chiller that you need to use ASAP, this recipe is the perfect way to use them. 

If you’re looking for more homemade pasta sauce recipes, be sure to check out these fan-favorites next: Vodka Pasta Sauce, Marsala Mushroom Cream Sauce, Pasta Sauce with Red Peppers, San Marzano Marinara Sauce, and this Meaty Pasta Sauce recipe.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Quick and Easy to Make. This pasta recipe with Philadelphia cream cheese is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious, creamy pasta ready and on the table in under 30 minutes — no complicated steps or long cooking times needed.
  • Rich, Yet Light Sauce. My Philadelphia cheese sauce provides the best of both worlds — it’s super creamy and indulgent without being overwhelmingly heavy. The Philadelphia cream cheese offers a velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully, making it a rich dish that feels light enough for any season.
  • Versatile and Customizable: While this pasta with Philadelphia cream cheese sauce is perfect on its own, it’s also totally adaptable. You can easily toss in veggies, protein, or experiment with different shapes of pasta. This Philadelphia cream cheese sauce serves as a fantastic base for endless pastas and flavor combinations – whether you’re craving spinach and artichoke, sun-dried tomatoes, or crispy bacon.
  • Fewer Ingredients, Better Flavor: This pasta cream cheese simplifies the creamy pasta sauce by using just a few key, quality ingredients — Philadelphia cream cheese, Parmesan, white wine, and whole milk — but the end result is an ultra-flavorful dish.
  • Crowd-Pleaser Every Time: Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe for Philadelphia cheese sauce pasta is sure to be a hit. Its creamy texture and twirls of noodles make it the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

What is Philadelphia cheese sauce?

Cream cheese pasta is an easy comforting dish made with your favorite shape of pasta and a block of cream cheese, along with broth, fragrant aromatics and flavorful Italian seasonings! This white sauce pasta with cheese is similar to Fettuccine Alfredo; just with a slightly tangier taste!

If you’re looking for more creamy pasta recipes, check out these fan-favorites next: Smoked Salmon with Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta with Tomatoes, Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta, and Creamy Sausage and Peppers Pasta.

Overhead photo of dry pasta, a block of cream cheese, heavy cream, garlic, wine, broth, seasonings, and herbs neatly arranged on a kitchen counter.

Ingredients in philadelphia cream cheese pasta sauce 

You’ll need nine simple ingredients, plus a few pantry staples to make the easiest fettuccine alfredo with cream cheese:

  • Butter: You’ll need 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter for sautéing the aromatics. If using salted butter, adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.
  • Shallot: One large shallot adds a delicate touch of astringent onion flavor.
  • Garlic: Three to four cloves of fresh garlic provide a distinctive, punchy taste. Make sure you use fresh garlic cloves, not the minced variety sold in a jar.
  • Seasonings: A combination of Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper all add a ton of flavor.
  • Wine: Dry white wine is optional; however it does add a depth of flavor. Use any dry wine you like, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc.
    • Swap: Substitute broth instead.
  • Broth: You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth to create the base for the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Cream Cheese: A block of room temperature Philadelphia cream cheese provides rich, tangy flavor and plenty of creamy texture. Be sure to use full fat cream cheese for the best texture.
  • Milk: You’ll need whole milk (half-and-half or heavy cream) to thin the cream cheese pasta sauce.
  • Parmesan: A generous dusting of parmesan cheese adds the perfect pop of salty, complex flavor. Please grate the parmesan yourself for the best flavor (non of that green can stuff).
  • Herbs: Fresh flat-leaf parsley and/or fresh basil leaves lend a ton of bright, fresh flavor. But you can use various fresh herbs, such as chives, scallions, thyme, and oregano.and really bring this Italian pasta recipe to life.
  • Pasta: The recipe calls for fettuccine; however, you can use whatever pasta shape you love, such as spaghetti, linguine, or even bow tie.

If philly cream cheese is on sale at the store, grab an extra block and put it to good use in these recipes: Whipping Cream Cheese (tutorial), Jalapeno Dip with Cream Cheese, Puff Pastry Danish with Cream Cheese, and Chive Cream Cheese Recipe.

recipe variations

What amazes me about this easy Philly cheese pasta is how simple yet beautifully flavored it is! And its simplicity opens itself up to a world of variations that make pasta time more exciting. Here are a few ways for you to sass your cream cheese pasta up: 

Salmon Cream Cheese Pasta 

Add a few tender slices of salmon – whether it be grilled, pan-fried, baked, poached, or a gravlax of salmon – it will give your pasta dish a more elegant flair! Turn your homey cheese pasta into a restaurant-worthy dish by adding fresh spinach and serving it topped with baked salmon filets! All you need is your favorite red wine to enjoy a romantic dinner for two! Other seafood options are tuna, shrimp, and mussels. 

Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta

If you are making this for a bunch of hungry people, adding some protein-rich chicken meat is the way to go! You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken you may have on hand and toss it in for a hearty rich creamy cheese pasta lunch or dinner. (Tip: I like to keep this perfectly meal-prep-able poached chicken breasts on hand for easy meals like this.)

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Tomato Pasta

If you have juicy, plump fresh tomatoes, marinated cherry tomatoes, or even a jar of sun-dried tomatoes begging to be used, toss them in this pasta dish with cream cheese! The addition of tomatoes will bring nothing but more flavor to an already fantastic dish! Saute the tomatoes together with the shallots and garlic. 

Vegetable Philadelphia Cheese Pasta

Some of the best veggies you can add to this philadelphia pasta with cream cheese include: artichoke hearts, olives, roasted bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, and arugula.

You can also try other vegetables and see where that takes you! Saute any “hard veggies” with the aromatics, so they turn out tender. However, soft and green leafy vegetables like spinach and arugula should  be added later on. 

Meaty Pasta with Cream Cheese

This version is for meat lovers! Bacon, ham, and/or prosciutto are great in this cheese pasta recipe. They are light enough to keep the pasta from being overly savory but meaty enough to satisfy your tummies! 

Overhead photo of pasta cooked in Philadelphia cheese sauce with fresh garlic and heavy cream.

How to make Philadelphia cream cheese sauce for pasta

This cream cheese sauce pasta is so easy to make! Everything comes together in one pot with just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes!

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large deep skillet and sauté the shallots and garlic with Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper; cook until soft.
  2. Deglaze Pan: Add the wine and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the wine has mostly evaporated.
  3. Add Broth and Pasta: Add the broth and pasta into the skillet, arranging the noodles so they lay flat in the skillet. Season the broth with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Bring to Boil: Increase the heat and bring the broth to a slow boil. As soon as the broth starts to boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.
  5. Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook for 5 minutes. Remove the lid, give the pasta a good stir. Return the lid and continue to simmer for 6-10 minutes, or until pasta is almost al dente.
  6. Add Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat and whisk the cubes of cream cheese into the starchy pasta water.
  7. Add Milk and Parmesan: Add the milk and parmesan cheese. Stir the fettuccine pasta until a smooth, creamy sauce forms. If the pasta sauce is too thick, thin with a bit of milk until desired consistency is reached.
  8. Garnish and Serve Creamy Cheese Pasta: Sprinkle the parsley over the pasta. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve with extra cracked black pepper and shaved parmesan. Enjoy immediately!

Follow these expert chef tips to ensure the most success!

Making cream cheese pasta with Philadelphia cheese sauce is simple, but to ensure it turns out perfectly every time, be sure to follow the key tips below: 

  • Use High-Quality Philadelphia Cream Cheese. The cream cheese is the base of your sauce, so the better the quality, the better the flavor. Choose a full-fat for the silkiest texture with the most flavor.
  • Room temperature cheese. I recommend removing the cream cheese from the refrigerator and cubing it before you start gathering and preparing the other ingredients. This will ensure that they melt and meld more seamlessly into the broth-y sauce.
  • Use a Large pot. If the pot you are using is too narrow, break the fettuccine noodles in half so that they will lay flat in the skillet. Submerge the noodles fully in the broth so they cook evenly.
  • Balance the Richness with Acid. This Philadelphia cheese sauce is creamy and indulgent. A bit of white wine cuts through the richness and elevates the overall flavor. If omitting the wine, be sure to finish the dish with a little fresh lemon juice or a dash or white wine vinegar.
  • Al dente pasta. Always check the package instructions when cooking pasta. If you plan to use smaller pasta pieces, reduce the cooking time, so they do not turn mushy. Al dente is the goal here! 
  • Don’t Overheat the Sauce. High heat will cause cream cheese sauces to separate and the sauce to become greasy. To keep your sauce smooth and creamy, it’s important to melt the cream cheese gently, over low heat.
  • Season Generously. Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning. Philadelphia cream cheese is very mild on its own, so kosher salt and fresh black pepper are essential to enhance the overall taste.
  • Finish with Fresh Herbs and Cheese. Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme add a fragrant, herbaceous note that contrasts nicely with the texture of the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Serve Immediately for Maximum Creaminess. Be sure to enjoy this cream cheese pasta fresh – when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pasta is hot. If left to sit for too long, the sauce will thicken up significantly.
  • And Use Milk to Taste. The milk will thin out the philadelphia cheese sauce. The amount needed will depend upon how thick and creamy you like your pasta sauce. Note that the pasta will thicken as it cools, so if it looks a bit on the runny side before you take it off the stove, that is fine.
Close-up photo of cream cheese sauce pasta garnished with shaved parmesan cheese and minced fresh parsley.

FAQs: frequently asked questions 

Below you will find common questions and answers pertaining to this pasta recipe with philadelphia cream cheese. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!

Can I use any brand of cream cheese for this recipe?

Technically, you can use any brand of cream cheese to make this pasta sauce. However, I recommend using Philadelphia cream cheese for the best results. Its smooth texture and consistent quality ensures it melts beautifully into sauces – delivering that signature rich and creamy, subtly tangy flavor that’s perfect for pasta. 

Can I omit the wine?

If you prefer to leave the wine out, you can! Simply omit that step from the recipe. However, please note that the wine adds acidity to this philadelphia cheese sauce for pasta. Therefore, if you omit it, I recommend finishing the pasta with a  fresh lemon juice or Balsamic Vinegar before serving.

Can I reduce the amount of garlic?

Yes, you may. I find using 3 to 4 cloves to be suited for this creamy cheese pasta recipe. But if you are not a garlic fan, you can reduce it to 1 or 2 cloves. On the other hand, if you like it extra garlicky, adding a clove or two also works! 

How do I make sure the cream cheese sauce is smooth and creamy?

There are a few simple keys to a smooth, creamy Philadelphia cheese sauce: 

  • Start with softened cream cheese. If your cream cheese is cold and hard, it can cause lumps in the sauce. To avoid this, let the cream cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the pan. 
  • Use low heat. Be sure to lower the heat under the pan before adding the cream cheese. You need to use gentle heat.
  • Stir, stir, stir. Also, make sure you stir continuously as the sauce heats up. And if the finished sauce seems a little too thick, simply add a little bit of milk to loosen it up.

Can I add vegetables to the Philadelphia pasta?

You bet! Veggies, such as baby spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers pair beautifully with this recipe for Philadelphia pasta. Just make sure the vegetables are cooked before adding them to the pasta, as some veggies (like mushrooms and zucchini) release water that will thin out the sauce.

Is this cream cheese pasta sauce vegetarian-friendly?

Everything on the ingredient list is appropriate for a vegetarian diet – except for the chicken broth and parmesan cheese. You can use vegetable broth instead and dairy-free parmesan cheese to make cream cheese pasta sauces vegetarian.

Can I make a dairy-free version of creamy cheese sauce pasta?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free cream cheese and parmesan cheese. As well, make sure you substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond milk or soy milk.

Overhead photo of Philadelphia cream cheese sauce on cooked pasta noodles in a large skillet.

Serving pasta with philadelphia cheese

Pasta cream cheese is best when enjoyed hot and ultra-creamy, straight from the pan! Place the cooked cheese pasta on individual serving plates and garnish them to your liking with freshly-grated parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flake,s and fresh herbs.

Common serving suggestions

  • Side of Bread: Soft dinner rolls, roasted garlic clove bread, and crusty loaves are all perfect for sopping up the Philly cream cheese sauce.
  • Serve with a Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the Philadelphia cream cheese sauce. I personally love this chopped italian salad or shaved brussels sprouts salad to balance out the heavier pasta.
  • Top with Chicken or Shrimp: For a protein-packed meal, top your Philadelphia cheese sauce pasta with grilled chicken or grilled scallops. Both options add flavor and substance, turning your pasta into a full, satisfying meal.

Unique serving ideas

  • With Seasonal Veggies: If you’re looking for a super simple side option, simply toss your favorite seasonal veggie in oil and roast it in the oven. Or try this roasted prosciutto wrapped asparagus or simply sauté some riced broccoli.
  • As a Pasta Bake: Transform your cream cheese pasta into a comforting baked casserole. After tossing the pasta with the Philadelphia sauce, top it with breadcrumbs and more Parmesan cheese. Then place in the oven bake until golden and bubbly for a cozy, crowd-pleasing twist.
  • Desserts: If you’re in the mood for dessert, a simple cream cheese dessert dip with cookies and fresh fruit is the way to go!

Storing leftovers

  • If you have leftovers, allow the pasta cream cheese to cool down completely before transferring them into an airtight container.
  • You can store leftover pasta in the fridge and it should stay good for up to three days.
  • When you are ready to eat, you can simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or bigger batches on the stovetop.
  • Reheating tip: If the Philadelphia cream cheese pasta sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of broth or milk to make it creamy again.

Freezing instructions

  • I do not recommend freezing, as the cream cheese white sauce can become grainy upon thawing. 
Overhead photo of creamy cheese sauce pasta with garlic and fresh herbs.

So next time you are in need of a quick yet reliable dish made to impress, this Cream Cheese Pasta recipe is it! It’s something that you can whip up in a flash, but tastes like a million bucks!

Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!

More cheesy vegetarian pasta recipes!

If you love this one pot parmesan pasta, try one of these creamy noodle recipes next!

Overhead photo of Philadelphia cream cheese sauce on cooked pasta noodles in a large skillet.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Sauce Pasta

5 from 2 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Craving comforting, flavorful pasta without the fuss? This one pot, 9 ingredient Cream Cheese Pasta is just the ticket! With the ideal balance of creamy richness and slightly tangy flavor, this recipe combines silky strands of pasta with a luscious, velvety Philadelphia cream cheese sauce kissed with garlic, parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Quick, easy, and super cheesy, this satisfying dish is the perfect busy weeknight meal or elegant dinner option.

Equipment

  • 1 Large, Straight-Sided Skillet – for cooking philadelphia pasta sauce and pasta
  • 1 Wooden Kitchen Utility Spoon – for stirring
  • 1 Whisk – for whisking

Ingredients 

  • 3 TBS Unsalted Butter
  • 1 large Shallot – small dice
  • 3-4 Cloves Garlic – thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ tsp Italian Seasonings (SEE NOTES)
  • ¼ tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – or more to taste
  • To Taste Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper
  • 1/3 Cup Dry White Wine – optional (SEE NOTES)
  • 3 Cups Reduced-Sodium Chicken Broth (substitute: vegetable broth)
  • 12 ounces Fettuccine (SEE NOTES)
  • 6 ounces Block-Style Cream Cheese – room temperature & cut into small cubes (SEE NOTES)
  • ¼ Cup Whole Milk – more or less, to taste (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 Cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese – plus more for garnish
  • 3-4 TBS Fresh Flat-leaf Parsley – plus more for garnish

Instructions

  • Sauté Aromatics: Add the butter to a large deep skillet or Dutch oven and place over medium heat.
    Once the butter is melted, add the shallots, garlic, Italian seasonings, and red pepper flakes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
    Cook, stirring frequently, until shallots are soft, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Deglaze the Pan: Add the wine to the pan and use the edge of a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits collected on the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat to medium-high and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the wine has mostly evaporated, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add Broth and Pasta: Pour the broth into the skillet.
    Then, add the pasta, arranging the noodles so they lay flat in the skillet, completely submerged in the broth.
    Season the broth with a couple pinches of salt and generous pinch of pepper.
  • Bring Contents to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the broth to a slow boil.
    As soon as the broth starts to slowly boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.
    Give the pasta one good stir before moving on to the next step.
  • Cover and Cook the Pasta: Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook for 5 minutes.
    Remove the lid, give the pasta a good stir.
    Return the lid and continue to simmer for 6-10 minutes, or until pasta is almost al dente.
  • Add Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cubes of cream cheese to the pan.
    Vigorously whisk the cubes of cream cheese into the broth.
  • Add Milk and Parmesan: Once the cream cheese is completely melted, add the milk and parmesan cheese.
    Stir the pasta until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
    If the sauce is too thick, thin with a bit of milk until desired consistency is reached.
    (Note: Pasta will thicken as it sits, so you might want to consider making the sauce a little thinner than normal.)
  • Garnish and Serve Creamy Cheese Pasta: Sprinkle the parsley over the pasta cream cheese. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
    Serve with extra cracked black pepper and shaved parmesan. Enjoy immediately while warm!

Notes

  • Italian Seasoning: You can use homemade or store-bought Italian seasoning. Alternatively, you can use any combination of the following dried herbs in a pinch – basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary and/or sage.
  • Wine: White wine adds complexity to the pasta and the alcohol will diminish significantly during cooking. But, if you prefer to leave the wine out, you can! Simply omit that step from the recipe. However, please note, the wine adds acidity to the pasta. Therefore, if you omit it, I recommend finishing the pasta with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
  • Pasta Shape: You can use any type of pasta you love in this recipe – just adjust the cook time accordingly.
  • Fettuccine: If your pan is narrow, break the fettuccine in half so that it will lay flat in the skillet, submerged in the broth.
  • Cream Cheese: While not mandatory, it is best if your cream cheese is at room temperature! Room temp cubes of cream cheese will melt and meld more seamlessly into the broth-y sauce. Tip: I recommend removing the cream cheese from the refrigerator and cubing it before you start gathering and preparing the other ingredients.
  • Milk: The milk is used to thin the cream cheese sauce. The amount needed will depend upon how thick and creamy you like your pasta sauce.
  • Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 4 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal    Carbohydrates: 70g    Protein: 28g    Fat: 19g    Saturated Fat: 11g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g    Monounsaturated Fat: 6g    Trans Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 123mg    Sodium: 765mg    Potassium: 607mg    Fiber: 4g    Sugar: 6g    Vitamin A: 817IU    Vitamin C: 5mg    Calcium: 509mg    Iron: 3mg
Course: entree, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian

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