This Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta is a rich, creamy, and smoky dish that takes classic pasta to a whole new level. The cream cheese is slow-smoked until it’s infused with a deep, smoky flavor, then mixed with pasta and seasonings for a dish that’s both simple and indulgent. Whether served as a main course or a side, this pasta is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky & Creamy – The smoked cream cheese creates a velvety, flavorful sauce.
- Easy to Make – Minimal ingredients and hands-off smoking time.
- Perfect for Any Smoker – Works with pellet, charcoal, or gas grills.
- Versatile – Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies.
- Crowd-Pleasing – A unique twist on creamy pasta that’s perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
1. Preheat the Smoker
- Set your smoker to 225°F using hickory, pecan, or cherry wood for the best flavor.
- Place a block of cream cheese in a small foil pan or on parchment paper.
2. Smoke the Cream Cheese
- Score the top of the cream cheese with a knife in a crisscross pattern.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Smoke for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cream cheese is golden and infused with smoky flavor.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta according to package instructions in salted water.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the smoked cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
5. Serve & Garnish
- Plate the pasta and top with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Smoke Time: 1.5-2 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
- Bacon & Smoked Cheese – Mix in crispy bacon and shredded smoked gouda.
- Protein Additions – Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked sausage.
- Veggie Boost – Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
What’s the best wood for smoking cream cheese?
Hickory, pecan, cherry, or applewood all add great smoky depth.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat is best for texture, but low-fat will work with slightly less creaminess.
Do I need to wrap the cream cheese while smoking?
No, but placing it in a foil pan helps keep it contained and easy to scoop.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but add a little milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?
Yes! Try smoked gouda, cheddar, or Asiago for different flavors.
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
Use reserved pasta water to thin it out as needed.
What protein pairs well with this dish?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or smoked salmon are great choices.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Yes! Roasted peppers, mushrooms, or spinach work well.
Can I smoke the cream cheese on a gas grill?
Yes! Use a smoke box with wood chips to get a similar effect.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just adjust the ingredients accordingly and use a larger skillet.
Conclusion
Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that takes classic pasta to a whole new level. The smoky depth of the cream cheese combined with garlic, Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this a must-try recipe. Whether served as a main course or a side, this pasta will impress everyone at the table!
Description
This smoked cream cheese pasta is ultra-creamy, infused with smoky depth, and incredibly easy to make. Smoked cream cheese is blended with roasted tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings to create a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta!
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Preheat the smoker: Set your smoker to 225°F and use mild wood like apple, cherry, or pecan for a subtle smoky flavor.
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Prepare the cream cheese: Place the cream cheese in a small cast iron skillet or foil pan. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
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Roast the tomatoes: Toss the cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Place them in a separate foil pan or on the same skillet as the cream cheese.
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Smoke: Place both the cream cheese and tomatoes on the smoker and smoke for 2 hours, until the cream cheese is soft and infused with flavor.
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Cook the pasta: While the cream cheese smokes, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Make the sauce: Transfer the smoked cream cheese and tomatoes to a large bowl. Mash and mix until smooth. Stir in the reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
Notes
- Want more protein? Add smoked chicken, shrimp, or sausage.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or more Parmesan cheese.
- Prefer a spicier kick? Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.