CREAMY SPAGHETTI (1-POT RECIPE)

Dreaming of a bowl of creamy spaghetti ready 15 minutes? This super easy one-pot pasta recipe is for you. An economical, versatile, delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Friends, this spaghetti with cream cheese is here to satisfy your carb cravings after a long day. The creamy sauce is like a silky blanket that covers the noodles, absolutely perfect with grated parmesan cheese on top. 

One of the best parts about this pasta recipe is that it’s made with just a handful of ingredients and everything starts and ends in the same pot.

Easy. Quick. Only ONE POT to wash!

1 second of 15 secondsVolume 0%

This ad will end in 11

I LOVE it as it’s very similar to my creamy penne pasta, one-pot mac and cheese, and popular cream cheese pasta, but it’s SO much easier and faster.

Long story short, you’ll cook your spaghetti in broth infused with garlic and herbs. The liquid to pasta ratio is just-right so that by the time the spaghetti is cooked, you’re left with just a small amount of pasta water.

Next step? Mix in the cream cheese and parmesan and toss to combine. The super starchy pasta water left at the bottom of the pot is enough to emulsify the cheeses and create a thick, creamy spaghetti sauce. And you’re good to go!

You could also add anything else you love here. Roasted veggies? Chopped up chicken? Pan-fried salmon. Anything!

Simple but decadent at the same time, your bowl of comforting pasta is on the table in minutes. What’s not to love?

Creamy spaghetti for the win tonight!

LIST OF THE INGREDIENTS

• Spaghetti
• Cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Italian herb seasoning
• Garlic
• Salt & pepper
• Chili flakes

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY SPAGHETTI IN 1 POT

(Note: this is a quick description with step-by-step photos, the full recipe is at the bottom of the page)

• Start out by cooking up garlic, herbs, red pepper flakes in olive oil until fragrant.
• Pour in the broth and bring to the boil.
• Add spaghetti and wait for 30 seconds until it starts to soften, then using a wooden spoon push the spaghetti down into the liquid.

• Reduce to heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until al dente. This means, when you try the spaghetti noodles, they should have a little bit of a bite to them.
• Turn the heat off, stir in cream cheese and parmesan, toss until well combined.

• Season to taste, and serve immediately with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. A side of warm focaccia, pesto garlic bread or black pepper focaccia is always a good idea if you want to go all out! : )

RECIPE NOTES

CREAMY SPAGHETTI INGREDIENTS

Spaghetti: Chose premium quality spaghetti, possibly trafilata al bronzo (bronze cut), which has better taste and a rough texture that helps the sauce cling to each noodle. My favorite brands are Garofalo and Rummo.

Olive oil, garlic, herbs and chilli flakes: the recipe starts with a flavor base made with fragrant garlic cooked in olive oil with Italian seasoning and chilli. It’s an easy step that adds extra flavor to the broth.

Vegetable broth: spaghetti is cooked in low sodium vegetable broth for more flavor, but you can use just salted water if you wish. However, make sure to adjust the quantity of salt accordingly if using water or a broth that tastes quite salty on its own.

Cream cheese: Either cream cheese block and tub can be used for this recipe. I used Philadelphia, but any nice full fat cream cheese would do. And if you have any cream cheese leftovers, check out this collection of yummy cream cheese recipes.

Parmesan cheese: aged Parmesan cheese with its nutty flavor is the best, especially if it has been freshly grated so that it will melt well into the sauce. The grated stuff is no comparison.

Optional for serving: extra salt & pepper before serving if desired, but also a pinch of red pepper flakes, grated parmesan, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh parsley.

ADD-INS ARE WELCOME!

The options are endless for customizing with tons of different veggies, 

• Sautéed or roasted veggies. Roasted cherry tomatoes, grilled or roasted zucchini, broccoli, spinach, and more.
• Add a protein. If you’re not vegetarian try adding some grilled chicken, shrimp or pan-fried or smoked salmon, cooked ground beef.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS 

• What about a light side like my carrot salad, cucumber salad or lettuce salad?
• If you wish to add plant-based protein to the meal, a chickpea salad, cannellini bean salad, or a white bean salad would make a balanced meatless meal.

STORAGE TIPS

This creamy spaghetti leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for about 3 days – but just not as velvety and creamy. To reheat simply do so in a microwave safe dish with a splash of milk or water. You can also reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water.

MORE PASTA RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE!

Looking for more ideas? You’ll be spoilt for choice with these roundups:

• 15+ One-pot pasta recipes
• 15 Dreamy creamy pasta recipes
• 13 Super quick pastas
• 35+ Vegan pasta recipes
• 13 Italian pasta recipes
• 12 Penne pasta recipes
• 30+ Meatless pasta ideas

Lastly, I hope you’ll love this creamy spaghetti as much as we do. And if you have any questions, let me know! Leave a comment, send me a message, or rate it. I would love to hear from you!

And for more recipe updates, subscribe my newsletter and follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.