If you’re like me, you’re always searching for quick, easy, and versatile sides to go with supper. Most often, we plan meals around the entree and don’t give much thought to the sides – we just kinda pick whatever goes with the main course.
So today I’m sharing one of my old standbys when it comes to quick and easy sides – Cream Cheese Noodles. These are creamy, garlicky, and oh so delicious!
This pasta dish is so easy to put together and only calls for 3 ingredients if you don’t count, salt, pepper, and water. And who counts those, right!?!?
The secret here is reserving some of that pasta water for the sauce like I mentioned back in my post for my Ultimate Baked Alfredo. So before you drain the noodles, scoop out a 1/2 cup (or a little more to be safe) of that starchy water to help make the sauce. Then all you have to do is whisk the cream cheese and that pasta water together to create a silky, luscious sauce your whole family is going to love!
You can even toss some grilled chicken on top and turn this easy side into an easy entree. You’ll just want to probably double the recipe if you’re going to serve it as a main course.
Easy Cream Cheese Noodles
Ingredients
- 8-ounces spaghetti
- 4-ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the pasta in salted water according to the packag instructions. Before draining, dip out 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the past and set aside.
- Return the pasta pot to the heat over medium low and add the reserved pasta water and the cubed cream cheese. Whisk together until the cream chees ehas melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the garlic powder. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pasta back to the pot and toss to coat. Serve immediately.
Lisa says
My granddaughter was screaming for “something pizza” but she doesn’t care of marinara soooo……I used this recipe and added some tiny pepperoni, black olives and sautéed mushrooms. It was delicious!!
Stacey says
Those sound like some GREAT additions! Glad y’all enjoyed it!
Linnie says
I made this recipe today and my husband and I both loved it. So easy and very tasty. We love Red Lobster, but don’t have one near us, so I made shrimp scampi and laid it on top of the noodles with a side of garlic bread. Oh my, so good. I will definitely be making this again and again. Thanks for the great recipe.
Stacey says
Wonderful! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
haley says
yummy! too much easiest dish. i made it too many times. sometimes it add in the topping of pizza, and some times put some vegetables and fruits on it and then it looks likes a salad and seems too much tasty.
thanks friend for telling this simple and tasteful recipe.
DeDe says
I added sour cream too. With the cream cheese is was awesome! Also you can add some diced tomatoes and it’s divine!
Stacey says
Great ideas!! Thanks for the tips!
Megan says
Made this & it was delish! Served w/ grilled chicken & sautéed spinach on the side👍
I wonder if the noodles would freeze well?
Stacey says
So glad you enjoyed it! I can’t say for sure on the freezing part, but I’m afraid the cream cheese sauce might not freeze well.
DB says
Don’t be so modest, I can turn this into a one serving dish. Looks fabulous! Thank you.
Stacey says
Ha! Enjoy!
Melanie says
This was so good! I topped it with some fried deer sausage. Very easy to make and very good!
Stacey says
So glad you enjoyed it, Melanie!