Quick Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce: From Prep to Plate

• Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Using a whisk or spatula, mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
• Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture. Gently toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The heat from the pasta will help melt the cream cheese and create a silky sauce.
• Taste the pasta and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in some chopped fresh parsley for brightness.
• Transfer the pasta to serving dishes, and if desired, sprinkle with additional parsley or red pepper flakes. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy creation!