Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce

Ingredients

• 8 ounces uncooked pasta
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, or to taste)
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil a pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water.

2. 2

   Meanwhile, cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and microwave it until very soft (try 20-30 second intervals). Prep all ingredients so they're ready to go as soon as the pasta is cooked.

3. 3

   Return the drained pasta to the pot it was cooked in, and quickly add the cream cheese and butter. Cover the pot and let it sit for about a minute (this helps it soften up more).

4. 4

   Uncover the pot and add in the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and parsley.

5. 5

   Add about 1/4 cup of the hot pasta water to the pot, and start tossing it, gradually adding more of the water until the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce. You may not use up the entire cup of water.

6. 6

   Season with salt & pepper to taste and serve. This pasta is best enjoyed right away.