Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

The unexpected magic of smoked cream cheese pasta transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into culinary adventures.

Creamy textures blend beautifully with smoky undertones that dance across your palate.

Robust ingredients come together in a simple yet elegant dish that feels like a restaurant-worthy creation.

Comfort meets sophistication in this incredibly satisfying meal that requires minimal effort.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the deep, rich flavors that emerge from carefully selected ingredients.

Home cooks can easily elevate their pasta game with this approachable recipe.

Prepare to savor every luxurious bite of this delightful pasta experience.

How to Blend Pasta with Smoked Cheese Flavor

Step 1: Ignite the Smoker

Set up smoker at 225°F

• Choose apple, cherry, or pecan wood for gentle smokiness

Step 2: Prep Cream Cheese

Place cream cheese in cast iron skillet

• Olive oil
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Drizzle and sprinkle seasonings generously

Step 3: Awaken Cherry Tomatoes

Prepare tomato mixture

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Crushed red pepper flakes

Toss ingredients together in foil pan

Step 4: Smoking Transformation

Position cream cheese and tomatoes in smoker

Smoke for two hours

Look for soft cream cheese and intensified flavors

Step 5: Pasta Perfection

Boil pasta according to package directions

Save pasta water before draining

Step 6: Create Dreamy Sauce

Transfer smoked ingredients to mixing bowl

Mash cream cheese and tomatoes thoroughly

Blend in reserved pasta water

Stir until sauce becomes silky smooth

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Mix pasta with smoky sauce

Toss until every strand is coated

Enjoy immediately

Tips to Keep Pasta Rich

• Optimize Wood Selection: Choose mild fruit woods like apple or cherry for a delicate, balanced smoky flavor that won't overpower the cream cheese.
• Control Smoking Temperature: Maintain a consistent 225F to ensure the cream cheese softens evenly without burning or drying out.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sprinkle additional spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder to enhance the smoky profile and create a more complex taste.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin or thicken the sauce, achieving a perfect creamy texture that coats the pasta smoothly.
• Experiment with Variations: Swap cream cheese with goat cheese or add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a personalized twist on the classic recipe.

Storage Advice for Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the creamy texture intact.
• Reheat single servings by adding a splash of milk, stirring halfway through, and warming in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding extra pasta water to restore smoothness.
• If sauce appears dry, mix in a tablespoon of cream or butter to refresh the consistency and bring back the original richness.

Sides That Pair With This Hearty Pasta

• Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the rich, smoky cream cheese and complement the roasted tomatoes' bright flavors.
• Create a light arugula or mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Prepare toasted sourdough or rustic Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil to soak up the delicious smoky sauce and add textural variety.
• Add sliced, simply seasoned grilled chicken breast to transform the pasta into a more substantial meal while maintaining the dish's delicate smoky profile.

Pasta Variations That Keep It Interesting

• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese or tofu blended with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles, chickpea pasta, or rice noodles to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets while keeping the smoky flavor profile intact.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add grilled chicken, crispy pancetta, or smoked salmon to the pasta for an extra protein boost that complements the smoky cream cheese sauce.
• Spicy Kick Remix: Increase red pepper flakes, add jalapeños, or mix in chipotle powder to elevate the heat level for spice enthusiasts seeking more intense flavor.

Smoked Pasta FAQs

• What makes the wood chip selection important for this recipe?

The wood chips create the foundational smoky flavor. Mild woods like apple, cherry, or pecan provide a subtle smoke that doesn’t overpower the cream cheese, allowing delicate flavors to develop without being harsh.

• How do the spices enhance the cream cheese?

The combination of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt adds depth and complexity to the cream cheese. These spices infuse the cheese with layers of savory and aromatic notes during the smoking process.

• Why reserve pasta water when making the sauce?

Pasta water contains starchy residue that helps bind the sauce, creating a smoother and silkier texture. The reserved water helps thin out the smoked cream cheese and tomato mixture, making it easier to coat the pasta and ensuring a creamy consistency.

• Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Cherry tomatoes work best because they are small, sweet, and roast quickly. They caramelize nicely during smoking, adding a concentrated burst of flavor to the sauce. Other small tomato varieties like grape tomatoes can also be substituted.

Why Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta Is Bold and Satisfying

• This smoked cream cheese pasta transforms everyday ingredients into a gourmet experience with minimal effort.
• Smoking cream cheese and tomatoes creates a unique, rich taste profile that elevates the traditional pasta dish without complicated techniques.
• The recipe offers a fun cooking method that takes standard pasta to extraordinary levels, perfect for home chefs wanting to impress family and friends with minimal technical skills.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish adaptable for different occasions, from casual family dinners to weekend gatherings with friends.

Ingredients That Make This Smoky Pasta Dish Stand Out

• Cream Cheese: Soft, rich base for the pasta sauce with a luxurious texture.
• Pasta: Classic carrier for the creamy smoked sauce, provides hearty foundation.

• Smoked Paprika: Adds deep smoky undertone without overwhelming the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provides aromatic background notes and depth.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Essential flavor enhancers that balance the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute heat and adds subtle fruity undertone.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Brings bright acidity and fresh burst of color to the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor complexity.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and slight spiciness.
• Pasta Water: Crucial for creating smooth, silky sauce consistency.

Smoked Cream Cheese Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy smoked cream cheese pasta delivers a luxurious Italian-inspired comfort meal with rich, smoky undertones. Hearty noodles blend seamlessly with velvety cheese, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 block (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 1 pint (473 milliliters) cherry tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) pasta water (reserved)
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Set up the smoker to 225F, selecting a mild wood like apple, cherry, or pecan to impart a delicate smokiness to the dish.
2. Prepare the cream cheese by placing it in a cast iron skillet, drizzling with olive oil, and generously seasoning with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
3. Prepare cherry tomatoes by coating them in olive oil, mincing garlic, and sprinkling with crushed red pepper flakes, then arranging them in a separate foil pan.
4. Position both the seasoned cream cheese and tomatoes in the smoker, allowing them to infuse with smoky flavors for approximately two hours until the cream cheese becomes soft and fragrant.
5. During the smoking process, cook the pasta according to package guidelines, carefully preserving a portion of the starchy cooking liquid before draining.
6. Once smoking is complete, transfer the smoked cream cheese and roasted tomatoes to a large mixing bowl, gently mashing and combining them to create a smooth, creamy base.
7. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water into the mixture, stirring until a silky, luxurious sauce develops, coating the pasta with rich, smoky essence.

Notes

• Choose mild wood chips like apple or cherry to ensure a delicate smoky flavor without overpowering the cream cheese.
• Experiment with different spice blends to customize the smoked cream cheese’s taste profile, such as adding dried herbs or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Use fresh cherry tomatoes at peak ripeness for the most intense and sweet roasted flavor during smoking.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for added nutrition and dietary flexibility.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg