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Penne Alfredo Pasta (with Cream Cheese)
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Penne Alfredo Pasta (with Cream Cheese)

Ultra-creamy weeknight Penne Alfredo Pasta, with a luscious cream cheese infused sauce, ready in under 15 minutes!
Prep Time3 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Dinner
Servings: 6

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

Making this recipe without cream cheese: Omit the cream cheese and swap for an additional half a cup of heavy cream or half and half. Please note you may need to simmer a bit longer for a thicker sauce consistency.
Pasta alternatives: classic fettuccine, cavatappi, or rigatoni.
Protein Additions: Stir in some shredded rotisserie chicken, or top with grilled chicken or shrimp. 
Veggie Additions: Add cooked broccoli, roasted bell peppers, frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, or asparagus.