Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water – Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Cook Pasta – Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve Pasta Water – Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside.
4. Drain Pasta – Drain the rest of the water and set the pasta aside.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter – In a large pan over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Sauté Garlic – Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add Cream Cheese – Cut the softened cream cheese into chunks and add it to the pan. Stir until melted and smooth.
4. Pour in Milk – Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
5. Thin the Sauce – Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Season – Stir in parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix well.

Combine Pasta & Sauce

1. Add Pasta to Sauce – Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, coating it evenly.
2. Adjust Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water or milk.
3. Taste & Adjust – Add extra salt, pepper, or parmesan as needed.
4. Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving.