View Gallery 2 photos Neufchâtel Cheese Pasta Sauce: Rich, Velvety Perfection🍝✨
Description
Neufchâtel Cheese Pasta Sauce: Easy, Creamy, Delicious
Neufchâtel cheese pasta sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that makes for a perfect comfort meal. Made with Neufchâtel cheese, a soft, slightly tangy cheese similar to cream cheese but lower in fat, this sauce delivers a velvety texture without being overly heavy. Combined with butter, milk, and Parmesan cheese, it creates a smooth and luscious coating for your favorite pasta.
This sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with fettuccine, linguine, or penne. The addition of garlic enhances its depth of flavor, while herbs like Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes add a mild spice and aroma. One of the best things about this sauce is how easy and quick it is to prepare—ready in just about 25 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner.
You can customize this sauce by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to make it more filling. For a richer taste, you can replace the milk with heavy cream or add a splash of white wine for extra complexity. If you're looking for a healthier alternative, use whole wheat pasta and unsweetened almond milk instead.
With a perfect balance of creaminess and flavor, this Neufchâtel cheese pasta sauce will become a go-to recipe for anyone who loves indulgent yet light pasta dishes. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for an irresistible meal! 🍝✨
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Ingredients
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients: Soften the Neufchâtel cheese at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions and reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (do not brown).
Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in the Neufchâtel cheese. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously until smooth and creamy.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
Incorporate Parmesan: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until fully melted into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Combine with Pasta: Gently mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is perfectly coated.Simmer for 2 minutes on low heat.
Serve: Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor, if you like. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 13g65%
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 450mg19%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 14g29%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- For Extra Creaminess: Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce.
- Add Protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier dish.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice for a subtle tang.
- Make it Healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and substitute milk with unsweetened almond milk.
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Neufchâtel cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that originates from France. It has a slightly tangy flavor and a lower fat content than cream cheese. While they are similar in texture, Neufchâtel cheese is lighter and a great alternative for those looking to reduce fat in their recipes.
Yes! If you don’t have Neufchâtel cheese, you can use regular cream cheese as a substitute. However, cream cheese has a higher fat content and a milder flavor, so the sauce may be slightly richer.
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using plant-based butter, unsweetened almond or oat milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be creamy and delicious.
Fettuccine, linguine, and penne are excellent choices because they hold the creamy sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you prefer.
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it over low heat and add a little milk or pasta water to restore its creamy consistency.
It's not recommended to freeze this sauce, as dairy-based sauces tend to separate when thawed. If you must freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 1 month, and reheat it slowly while whisking.
- To make it thicker: Simmer the sauce longer or add a little more Neufchâtel cheese.
- To make it thinner: Add more milk or reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
You can enhance this pasta dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, bacon, or sautéed mushrooms. These proteins complement the creamy sauce and make the meal more filling.
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted bell peppers work great with this sauce, adding color and extra flavor.
A light Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio pairs well with this creamy pasta dish, balancing the richness with refreshing acidity.
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