Easy Cream Cheese Pasta

Name: Cream Cheese Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese; 1 head broccoli, cut into florets; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 8 ounces pasta of choice; 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or any of your favorites); 1/4 cup grated parmesan; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil

Jump to Recipe

This cream cheese pasta, made with only five simple ingredients, including cherry tomatoes and broccoli, is the ultimate comforting and hearty meal that you can whip up even on your busiest weeknights.

Cream Cheese Pasta

I always have a block of cream cheese on hand because it's so versatile! Add it to this healthy cream cheese frosting or these no bake mini cheesecakes.

It's also perfect for savory dishes like this cream cheese pasta!

Here are some reasons why you're going to love this recipe:

Quick and easy
Budget-Friendly - requires basic ingredients
Customizable to suit your preferences and pantry ingredients
Can be paired with a variety of side dishes or proteins
Comforting and satisfying
Baby and kid-friendly

Jump to:

Cream Cheese Pasta
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Variations
Tips for Success
Serving Suggestions
Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
More Creamy Pasta Dishes
Cream Cheese Pasta

Ingredients

I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.

Cream cheese - I use Philadelphia cream cheese but feel free to use your favorite brand. I recommend using full fat cream cheese for best flavor and texture.
Cherry or Grape tomatoes - avoid using larger tomatoes
Broccoli - you can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets
Pasta - use any pasta of your choice

If you only have 15 minutes or don't want to turn on the oven, give this creamy broccoli pasta a try!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Broccoli, tomatoes, and cream cheese in a baking dish.

Smashing baked cream cheese with the tomatoes and broccoli.

Place the broccoli and cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish. Place the cream cheese in the middle of the dish. Pour olive oil on top and give everything a good toss. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and smash the tomatoes and cream cheese with the back of a spoon.
Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine, adding some pasta water to thin out the mixture until desired consistency is reached.
Taste and add any of the optional ingredients listed below for a flavor boost. Enjoy immediately.

Variations

Consider this recipe as a base that you can easily customize based on your preferences or the ingredients available in your pantry.

Vegetables - while tomatoes are a must, you can swap out the broccoli or invite more veggies, like bell peppers, asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini, sweet potatoes (my son's favorite), and sun-dried tomatoes,
Parmesan cheese - adds a rich, savory, and slightly nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the cream cheese.
Seasonings - our favorites are garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes.
Fresh lemon juice - for brightness
Fresh basil - provides a burst of freshness with every bite

Tips for Success

Be sure to save some pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water really helps the sauce stick to the noodles as well as add creaminess. it also helps loosen up the sauce.
Once baked, smash the tomatoes along with cream cheese to create a luscious and creamy sauce.
It is best to enjoy immediately. As it cools down, the cream cheese sauce can thicken and become less creamy.

Serving Suggestions

An overhead shot of the entire baking dish with a a large serving wooden fork.

For a heartier meal, serve this creamy pasta dish alongside a protein source:

Chicken
Shrimp
Salmon
Tofu
Beans (especially delicious with white beans or chickpeas)

You can also enjoy with a fresh side salad, sauteed vegetable, or garlic bread.

Storage

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave or heat it in the saucepan on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk to the pasta while reheating to help restore creaminess to the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make this with other type of cheese?

Yes, you can make this dish with other types of cheese to create different flavor variations. Try with feta, boursin, or goat cheese.

What is the best pasta for cream cheese pasta?

While any pasta shape will work, I prefer the short pasta shapes with ridges or grooves, like fusili, rigatoni, or corkscrew, as they really soak up this creamy sauce. Orzo would be delicious too!

As for the type of pasta, you can use regular, whole wheat, gluten-free pasta, or legume based pasta (e.g. chickpea, edamame, lentil) for extra protein, iron, and fiber.