Pin It The first time I made this pasta was during a rainy Tuesday when I wanted something comforting but didnt feel like running to the store. The cream cheese in the fridge was meant for bagels, but I wondered what would happen if I melted it into a garlicky sauce. That experiment turned into one of those happy accidents that completely changed how I think about weeknight dinners.
I served this to my sister when she was recovering from surgery and too exhausted to cook anything complicated. She took one bite and asked if it was from some fancy Italian restaurant. Watching her shoulders relax as she ate made me realize that simple ingredients treated with respect can create something that feels like a proper hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- Pasta (350 g penne or fettuccine): The curves and ridges in penne catch sauce beautifully while fettuccine offers elegant silkiness
- Broccoli florets (300 g): Adding these during the last few minutes of pasta cooking means one less pot to wash and perfectly tender crisp vegetables
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): A gentle base for sautéing garlic without burning it
- Garlic cloves (4 large): Freshly minced garlic creates the aromatic foundation that makes this dish memorable
- Cream cheese (225 g softened): The secret to velvety texture without any flour or roux
- Milk (120 ml): Whole milk works best but any variety will create a creamy consistency
- Grated Parmesan (60 g): Adds salty depth and helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Essential for balancing the richness
- Salt (½ tsp plus more for pasta water): Properly salted pasta water is the only seasoning the noodles need
- Red pepper flakes (⅛ tsp optional): A tiny pinch creates gentle warmth that highlights the creaminess
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp chopped): Brings bright color and a fresh finish to each bowl
Instructions
- Boil the pasta water:
- Fill a large pot with water add a generous pinch of salt and bring to a rolling boil
- Cook pasta and broccoli together:
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions then drop in broccoli during the final 3 minutes before scooping out ½ cup of cooking water and draining
- Sauté the garlic gently:
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant about 1 to 2 minutes
- Melt the cream cheese base:
- Lower heat stir in cream cheese and let it melt completely into a smooth base
- Build the sauce:
- Whisk in milk gradually then add Parmesan pepper salt and red pepper flakes until combined and creamy
- Adjust consistency:
- If sauce feels too thick add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until it coats the back of a spoon
- Combine everything:
- Add drained pasta and broccoli to the skillet and toss gently until every piece is coated
- Finish and serve:
- Plate immediately topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan while still steaming hot
Pin It This dish became my go to for unexpected guests because it looks impressive but comes together so fast. Last spring my neighbor stopped by during a downpour and I threw this together in thirty minutes. She still asks for the recipe every time we run into each other at the mailbox.
Make It Your Own
The base sauce is incredibly forgiving and welcomes experimentation. I have added sun dried tomatoes for tang spinach for nutrition or even crumbled bacon for extra depth. Each variation still feels like the same comforting dish at heart.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness beautifully while a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette keeps the meal from feeling too heavy. Garlic bread might seem like overkill but trust me it is absolutely worth it.
Timing Is Everything
Mis en place matters here more than you might expect. Have your garlic measured and your cream cheese softened before you start the water. Once that pasta is drained the sauce needs to be ready immediately or everything will cool down too fast.
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of buying pre grated for better melting
- Save some pasta water even if you think you will not need it
- Warm your serving bowls in the oven for five minutes before plating
Pin It Some recipes feel like homework but this one feels like a warm evening indoors. Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most lasting memories.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Gradually add reserved pasta cooking water to the sauce until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- → Can I substitute broccoli with other vegetables?
Yes, asparagus or spinach work well as alternatives and add a different flavor and texture.
- → What pasta types work best with this dish?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal, but any shape that holds sauce well can be used.
- → How can I add protein to this dish?
Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost and added flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and checking all ingredients carefully, it can be adapted accordingly.