Description
Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta is a creamy, smoky twist on traditional pasta dishes. Made with a block of seasoned cream cheese, roasted or smoked with vegetables and herbs, this dish delivers bold flavor with very little effort. It’s rich, comforting, and easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices—perfect for cozy dinners or weekend meals.
Ingredients
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1 block (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese
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12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 red bell pepper, chopped
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2 cups fresh spinach
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1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar or champagne vinegar
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¼ cup white wine (optional)
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Reserved pasta water (as needed to loosen sauce)
Instructions
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Smoke or Roast the Cream Cheese Base:
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Preheat smoker to 220°F or oven to 375°F.
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Place cream cheese in a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
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Add cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic around the cheese.
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Sprinkle with oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
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Smoke at 220°F for 20 minutes. Then raise temp to 350°F and roast for another 20 minutes.
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Add vinegar and wine. Roast/smoke 15–20 minutes more, until cream cheese is soft and golden.
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Cook the Pasta:
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Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente.
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Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
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Mix the Sauce and Pasta:
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Stir smoked cream cheese and veggies to create a creamy sauce.
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Add cooked pasta and reserved water as needed. Mix until smooth.
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Stir in spinach and let it wilt from the heat.
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Serve:
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Garnish with parmesan and fresh basil. Serve with crusty bread or salad.
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Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
Score the cream cheese before smoking to enhance flavor absorption.
Applewood or cherry wood chips add mild, pleasant smoke.
Add jalapeños or bacon bits for more flavor.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Fusion / American