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Easy Creamy Pasta Dinner for Two Without Heavy Cream

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A luscious, velvety pasta dinner that uses cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream to create a smooth, flavorful, and light creamy sauce perfect for cozy dinners for two.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (2% milk works fine)
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 6 ounces (170 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of unsalted butter. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Reduce heat to low and stir in 4 ounces (113 grams) of softened cream cheese. Stir gently until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Increase heat to medium-low and whisk until sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is glossy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil. Toss lightly and serve immediately.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Whisk milk in slowly over medium-low heat to prevent curdling. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Serve immediately as sauce thickens when cooled. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, pasta dinner for two, no heavy cream, easy pasta recipe, cream cheese pasta, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://islatable.com/easy-creamy-pasta-dinner-for-two-without-heavy-cream-recipe/