Ingredients
Scale
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz smoked cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional Toppings:
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein
- Crispy bacon bits
Instructions
- Cooking the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- Preparing the Sauce: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until softened, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Reduce heat to low and stir in the smoked cream cheese, breaking it down with a whisk or spatula until melted and smooth. Gradually pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce.
- Combining Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If needed, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water for a silkier consistency. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finishing Touches: Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings like red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, or crispy bacon. For added protein, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Vegan alternative: Substitute plant-based cream cheese, cashew cream, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4th of the recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg