Print

Creamy TikTok Viral Summer Pasta Recipe Easy and Perfect for Hot Days

creamy tik tok viral summer pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick, creamy, and refreshing pasta recipe perfect for hot summer days, featuring a silky sauce made with cream cheese and lemon juice, fresh cherry tomatoes, and basil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • A handful fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, a pinch)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4 quarts/3.8 liters). Add 8 ounces (225 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9 to 11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Reduce heat to low and add 4 ounces (115 g) of softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly to melt it down, then gradually pour in ½ cup (120 ml) of heavy cream while stirring to create a smooth sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  4. Stir in ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with 1 cup (150 g) halved cherry tomatoes. Toss everything together gently over low heat for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is fully coated and tomatoes are just warmed through but still juicy.
  6. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in a handful of roughly chopped fresh basil.
  7. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Optionally, add a drizzle of olive oil for shine and richness.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid clumping. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add basil at the end to keep its fresh aroma. Avoid overheating the sauce to prevent separation. If sauce thickens while waiting, stir in pasta water to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pasta, summer pasta, TikTok viral recipe, easy pasta, quick dinner, cherry tomatoes, basil, cream cheese pasta

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/creamy-tiktok-viral-summer-pasta-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-hot-days/