Ultra-creamy weeknight Penne Alfredo Pasta, with a luscious cream cheese infused sauce, ready in under 15 minutes!
JUMP TO RECIPEThis fast and easy Penne Alfredo Pasta is ready in just 15 minutes or less, from start to finish! Perfect for nights when you don't have a dinner plan, but you want something quick and delicious, this cream cheese infused twist on a classic is a recipe the whole family will enjoy!
I've tested this recipe with a variety of pasta shapes, as well as with and without the cream cheese, to find the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess!
Adding the block of softened cream cheese adds an extra layer of richness and a velvety texture to the pasta, which is super satisfying. A pinch of nutmeg and a bit of dried oregano add the perfect balance of warmth to the dish.
Table of Contents
- Why you'll love this Penne Alfredo
- Ingredient notes
- Equipment needed
- Step By Step Instructions
- Recipe Variations
- Storing and Reheating
- What to serve with Penne Alfredo Pasta
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Related recipes
Why you'll love this Penne Alfredo
Quick & Easy. This creamy Alfredo pasta is ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish, making it PERFECT for busy weeknights!
Ultra-creamy. The addition of softened cream cheese to the Alfredo sauce gives the sauce a silky, velvety-smooth and creamy finish!
Budget friendly. With just 10 simple ingredients (most of which are probably lurking in your fridge and pantry), this is a super satisfying meal that won't break the bank.
Ingredient notes
Penne Pasta. This short, hollow pasta with all its ridges is the perfect shape for holding onto all that delicious, creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese. The addition of cream cheese to the Alfredo sauce makes for a thicker, richer sauce. It also adds stability, keeping the sauce from separating and adds a bit of a tangy flavor profile. Think extra richness and velvety smooth texture, with ultra-low effort. For best results, allow cream cheese to soften on the counter for 30-60 minutes, or soften in short bursts in the microwave.
Dried Oregano. This is optional, but highly recommended. The mildly earthy, slightly peppery flavor cuts through the richness of the sauce, and adds a great background note to the sauce.
Grated Whole Nutmeg. A little pinch of fresh grated whole nutmeg adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor to the sauce, and helps cut through the richness of the butter, cream, and cream cheese. I always opt for fresh grated whole nutmeg, and grate it with my microplane zester right into the sauce.
Equipment needed
- A large saute pan, for building the sauce, and tossing the pasta when finished.
- A large soup pot, stock pot, or Dutch oven, for boiling the pasta.
- A colander or spider skimmer, for draining the pasta/transferring to the sauce.
Step By Step Instructions
Below is a step-by-step guide with visual and sensory cues for making the perfect Penne Alfredo Pasta, every time!
Recipe Variations
| Add Protein | Add in some grilled chicken or cajun spiced shrimp! |
| Veggie-Loaded | Stir in some cooked broccoli, roasted bell peppers, peas, sautéed mushrooms, or asparagus! |
| Dairy Swaps | Swap the heavy cream for half and half, or use neufchatel cheese in place of the cream cheese to lighten things up! |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten free pasta, such as Banza Chickpea Pasta, for a gluten-free version. |
| Make it vegetarian | Use vegetable stock in place of the chicken broth for a truly meatless version. |
| Spice it up | Add in a ¼ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick! |
Penne Alfredo Pasta (with Cream Cheese)
Equipment
- large soup pot or Dutch oven
- large saute pan
- colander or spider skimmer
Ingredients
- 1 lb Penne pasta
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 small shallot, minced, (or ½ small yellow onion)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano , (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken stock or broth, (may also use vegetable stock)
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened to room temperature, cut into small cubes
- 1 ½ cups grated parmesan cheese
- a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta following the package instructions for al dente in a large pot of well salted water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. 2. Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the shallot garlic and stir occasionally for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the oregano (if using), stir, and cook 30 seconds- until just fragrant. 3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, and stir well. Heat until warmed through and bubbling , 1-3 minutes. 4. Add the softened cubed cream cheese, and whisk well until fully incorporated, 2-3 minutes. 5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg, and stir to combine. 6. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the Alfredo sauce for 2-3 minutes, until thickened. Taste finished sauce and season with salt and pepper. 7. Add the drained cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to combine. Add pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. 8. Serve with chopped parsley or chives, additional grated parmesan, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.
Notes
Storing and Reheating
Refrigerator. Store any leftover Penne Alfredo Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the sauce will break, and the pasta will not retain a toothsome texture.
Reheating. Warm through in a saucepan over medium low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock, heavy cream, or milk to thin out the sauce to a creamy consistency, until heated through.
What to serve with Penne Alfredo Pasta
| Chicken | Add grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, or serve with Chicken Sausage Zucchini Boats, or Air Fryer Chicken Leg Quarters! |
| Seafood | Seafood makes a great pairing for this creamy pasta! Try it with blackened or sautéed shrimp or scallops, or alongside Pan Fried Flounder with Butter and Lemon, Oven Baked Crab Topped Cod, or Crispy Air Fryer Salmon! |
| Salad | Serve it with a simple garden salad, or Kale Crunch Salad with Strawberries and Feta! |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this recipe without the cream cheese?
Yes you can. You can swap out the cream cheese for an additional half a cup of heavy cream or half and half, or use neufchatel cheese (aka light cream cheese). Please note you may need to simmer a bit longer for a thicker sauce consistency if using only cream or cream/half and half.
Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
You can use a pound of any pasta shape you like for this recipe! Some other great options are classic fettuccine, cavatappi, or rigatoni.
Related recipes
Make my easy Weeknight Fettuccine Alfredo with Chicken and Broccoli!
Try my Creamy Pasta with Green Pea Lemon Sauce and Peas!
Whip up a batch of my Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce- perfect for pasta night!
Make my zippy and delicious Spicy Italian Sausage Pasta!
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