Super Simple Cream Spaghetti: Made with Jarred Sauce!
Cream Cheese Pasta: Quick & Easy Cream Spaghetti Recipe for When You’re Busy
Hello everyone! Today, I’ll share a secret to making a fantastic cream spaghetti effortlessly using a store-bought cream pasta sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy days or for those new to cooking.
Essential Ingredients
- Spaghetti pasta, 2 servings (approx. 200g)
- Coarse salt, 1 tablespoon (for boiling pasta)
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon (for boiling pasta)
- Jarred cream cheese pasta sauce, 1 jar (for 2 servings)
- Bacon, 2 servings (approx. 80-100g, or ham can be substituted, optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
In a large pot, add 1.3 liters (about 6.5 cups) of water. Stir in 1 tablespoon of coarse salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. The salt seasons the pasta, and the olive oil helps prevent the strands from sticking together.
Step 2
Once the water comes to a rolling boil, add the spaghetti. It’s best to cook the pasta about 1 minute less than the time indicated on the package, aiming for an ‘al dente’ texture, as it will cook further in the sauce.
Step 3
When the pasta is cooked, don’t drain it immediately. Instead, use tongs or a ladle to transfer the pasta directly into the pan where you’ll make the sauce. Reserve about 2-3 ladles of the starchy pasta water – this is crucial for achieving the perfect sauce consistency!
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat with a little butter or olive oil. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and half an onion, sliced. Sauté until fragrant and the onion begins to turn translucent.
Step 5
For a touch of heat, add 2-3 crushed dried red chili flakes (peperoncino) or thinly sliced dried chilies. If you like it spicier, you can add chopped or sliced Korean green chili pepper for a kick. (Optional, omit if you prefer.)
Step 6
Add your prepared bacon (or ham, chicken breast, etc.) and sauté until lightly browned. The rendered fat will add extra flavor to the dish.
Step 7
Sprinkle some black pepper over the ingredients in the pan for added aroma.
Step 8
Now, pour in the entire jar of jarred cream cheese pasta sauce (for 2 servings). While store-bought sauce is convenient, you can add a little heavy cream or milk for an even richer flavor.
Step 9
Add about 2-3 ladles of the reserved pasta water. If the sauce seems too thick, the pasta water will help thin it out to a smooth and creamy consistency.
Step 10
Add the cooked spaghetti (for 2 servings) to the creamy sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce’s flavor. This step ensures a truly delicious cream spaghetti!
Step 11
Serve the finished cream spaghetti onto plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of dried parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation. (Garnishes are optional but add a nice touch!)
