Creamy Alfredo Pasta

Creamy Alfredo Pasta is the ultimate comfort food: rich, velvety, and full of cheesy goodness. Made with butter, cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan, this indulgent pasta dish is quick to prepare and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Alfredo pasta delivers a luxurious sauce with a balance of rich flavors and creamy textures. The combination of mozzarella and parmesan creates a cheesy, satisfying coating for your favorite pasta, while the garlic adds just the right amount of aromatic depth. Plus, it’s so easy to make—everything comes together in just 25 minutes!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

¾ of a 1-pound box of penne pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
½ cup butter
4 oz cream cheese
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon minced garlic
½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper (to taste)
Optional: Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions (about 10–12 minutes). Drain and set aside.

2. In a separate pot, melt butter over medium-low heat.

3. Add garlic to the melted butter and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in the heavy cream and add the room-temperature cream cheese.

5. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce gently bubbles (but not boiling).

6. Stir in the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, followed by salt and pepper to taste.

7. Stir regularly until the cheeses melt completely into a smooth sauce.

8. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.

9. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 and takes 25 minutes in total—10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time.

Variations

• Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

• Spices: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or nutmeg for a more complex flavor.

• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, butter, and plant-based cheeses for a dairy-free version.

• Cheese Variety: Experiment with adding Gouda, Asiago, or cream cheese for an extra twist on flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, or warm it up gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta will work—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even farfalle are great choices.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat it gently on the stove and then toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, the original recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you like some heat.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, you can, but freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly into the sauce.

What can I serve with Alfredo pasta?

It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute with dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based butter, and dairy-free cheese.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Be sure to cook over medium-low heat and stir frequently to avoid the sauce curdling.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I freeze Alfredo pasta?

While the sauce can be frozen, the texture may change slightly when reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I add herbs to the sauce?

Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley add wonderful flavor—just stir them in at the end.

Conclusion

Creamy Alfredo Pasta is the perfect dish to indulge in when you’re craving something rich, comforting, and full of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this easy recipe delivers on both flavor and satisfaction every time. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make it your own!