Baked Cream Cheese Pasta

Table of Contents

Baked Cream Cheese Pasta! This dish holds a special place in my heart and in my cozy little kitchen. I first stumbled upon it during one of those late-night recipe scrolling sessions—half-motivated by hunger and half by the desire for something quick and comforting. The thought of creamy cheese blending with sweet, roasted tomatoes was too tempting to resist. As the aroma wafted through my kitchen, teasing my senses, the warmth of the oven wrapped around me like a hug. The golden-brown crust, bubbling with flavor, promised a meal that was not just food but a delightful experience. My family gathered at the table, forkfuls of dreamy pasta twirling on their plates, laughter ringing through the air. I knew right then that this would become a cherished recipe in our home, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s loved by many.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick: With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal ready in no time.
• Creamy Dreaminess: The combination of cream cheese and tomatoes creates a luscious, comforting sauce that hugs every bite of pasta.
• Versatile: Use whatever small pasta shape you have on hand and mix it up with herbs and veggies to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Everyone will go back for seconds, I promise!
• Fresh and Flavorful: The burst of ripe tomatoes, fragrant thyme, and bright lemon juice make every forkful a treat.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese: Adds a velvety richness that makes this dish sing! Soften it for easier mixing.
• 16 oz grape or roma tomatoes: Their sweetness shines when roasted. Feel free to galosh in your favorites!
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: A little drizzle enhances flavors and helps the tomatoes caramelize beautifully.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Because butter makes everything better! It brings richness and depth to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic: A fragrant addition that adds a savory punch. Always go for fresh for maximum flavor!
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme: This herb gives the dish a warm, earthy aroma. Feel free to swap it with basil in fresh summer!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust based on your preference, especially if your butter is salted.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a gentle kick. Freshly ground pepper provides a better flavor!
• 16 oz pasta, such as bowties, rotini, shells, or any small-shaped pasta: Choose your favorite! Small shapes catch the sauce beautifully.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: A burst of color and freshness. You can also substitute with other herbs like parsley or oregano.
• 1/2 lemon, juiced: The zing from lemon brightens the entire dish, making it dance on your taste buds!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Prepare to Bake

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, you’ll feel the cozy anticipation building—perfect for those chilly days!

Creamy Base

Add the cream cheese to the bottom of a baking dish. Let its character shine! Then, pour the tomatoes in around it. The colors will be inviting—you’d want to dive right in!

Season It Up

Evenly sprinkle the cream cheese and tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy—this is where the magic starts! Add pads of butter on top of the tomatoes. Just imagine that luxurious melt as it bakes!

Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop that baking dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until everything is bubbly and golden brown. As it bakes, the tantalizing smell of roasting tomatoes and melting cream cheese will fill your kitchen. Oh, the cozy vibes!

Pasta Party

Meanwhile, boil the pasta according to package instructions. While you’re waiting, make sure to give that pasta a quick stir to prevent sticking. Once it’s al dente, drain it and set it aside.

Create the Sauce

With a spoon, gently smoosh and stir the tomatoes and cream cheese together to create a luscious sauce while it’s hot. The way it all melds together is nothing short of heavenly!

Combine and Enjoy!

Add the freshly cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, along with the fresh basil and lemon juice. Stir it all together to coat every piece and relish the aroma. It’s time to enjoy this delightful dish!

Pro Tips for Success

• Use fresh herbs: They can elevate this dish to another level. If you have a garden or access to fresh herbs, don’t hold back!
• Choose good tomatoes: The juiciness and sweetness of your tomatoes will significantly affect the flavor—go for the ripest you can find!
• Don’t rush the baking: Waiting for that golden brown top is key. It means all those flavors have concentrated beautifully.

Flavor Variations

• Add some spinach or kale for a vibrant green twist. They’ll wilt perfectly with the warmth!
• Swap in goat cheese for a tangy twist or mix a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Try adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichokes for a delightful mix.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty dish with a crisp green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. A glass of chilled white wine could be your perfect dinner companion! When plating, make it colorful by garnishing with extra fresh basil and cracked pepper.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This dish is ideal for prepping ahead! Assemble everything in the baking dish and cover it tightly. You can refrigerate it for a day—just adjust the baking time as it may need a bit longer to warm through.

Leftovers

Feeling inventive? Use leftovers as a filling for stuffed bell peppers or mix it into a frittata for breakfast!

Freezing

Yes, this dish can be frozen readily! Just portion it into airtight containers, but leave out the fresh basil to add later. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight or warm it under cold water.

Reheating

To get that fresh-baked vibe again, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but do it in short intervals to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat or even a dairy-free cream cheese can be substituted for a lighter version.

What types of pasta work best?
Any small pasta shape works wonderfully! Bowties, shells, or any twisty pasta will catch that delicious sauce perfectly.

Can I add protein?
Of course! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled sausage can add great texture and flavor. Just mix them in before baking.

What if I don’t have fresh thyme?
Dried thyme works in a pinch—just use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Final Thoughts

Oh dear friends, I hope you create your own cozy memories with this Baked Cream Cheese Pasta! It’s all about the little moments we share around the table, laughter mingling with the aroma of what’s cooking. Take a deep breath, relish the smell wafting from your kitchen, and dig in with that joyful heart of yours. Happy cooking! Love, Chef Ellie 💖