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! 🍝✨
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.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.