This pasta dish is so easy to put together and only calls for 3 ingredients if you don’t count, salt, pepper, and water. And who counts those, right?

The secret here is reserving some of that pasta water for the sauce. So before you drain the noodles, scoop out a 1/2 cup (or a little more to be safe) of that starchy water to help make the sauce. Then all you have to do is whisk the cream cheese and that pasta water together to create a silky, luscious sauce your whole family is going to love!

You can even toss some grilled chicken on top and turn this easy side into an easy entree. You’ll just want to probably double the recipe if you’re going to serve it as a main course.

Ingredients

• 8-ounces spaghetti
• 4-ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt
• pepper

Preparation

1. In a large pot, cook the pasta in salted water according to the packag instructions. Before draining, dip out 1/2 cup of pasta water and set aside. Drain the past and set aside.
2. Return the pasta pot to the heat over medium low and add the reserved pasta water and the cubed cream cheese.
3. Whisk together until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the garlic powder.
5. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the pasta back to the pot and toss to coat. Serve immediately.