Irresistible Baked Cream Cheese Pasta : A Cozy, Cheesy Dish with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

When you combine baked cherry tomatoes, tangy cream cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, you get one of the most comforting dinners ever — Baked Cream Cheese Pasta. This recipe is creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor yet simple enough for any night of the week.

Inspired by the viral feta pasta trend, this version uses cream cheese instead of feta for a smoother, silkier sauce that wraps around each strand of pasta. If you love easy comfort meals that taste restaurant-worthy but take minimal effort, you’ll fall in love with this dish.

It’s one of those cheese pasta recipes that everyone will enjoy. Whether you serve it for family dinner or a cozy date night, this creamy baked pasta always delivers.

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Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Pasta

This dish stands out among other tomato pasta recipes because it combines roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy cheese, and fragrant herbs into one irresistible bite.

Here’s why you’ll want to make it on repeat:

• Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• The oven does all the work — no constant stirring required.
• The cream cheese melts into a velvety sauce.
• Completely customizable with add-ins like spinach, chicken, or mushrooms.
• Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

If you love tomato and cheese combinations, you’ll also enjoy trying the Roasted Tomato & Bell Pepper Pasta for a flavorful twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Cream Cheese Pasta

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create this rich and creamy pasta.

Main Ingredients

• 2 pints (about 4 cups) cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese block
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• 10 oz (280 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup baby spinach, added at the end for color and nutrients
• Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a protein boost
• Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra veggies
• Crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice

If you want more cheesy baked inspiration, try the comforting Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce — another family favorite.

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Kitchen Tools and Equipment

To make this baked cream cheese pasta, you’ll need:

• A 9×13-inch baking dish
• A large pot for boiling pasta
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Colander for draining pasta

No fancy tools required — just your everyday kitchen essentials, making this one of the easiest tomato dishes to prepare.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Pasta Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Cherry Tomatoes and Cream Cheese

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss gently until evenly coated. Make a small space in the center and place the cream cheese block there. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil.

This step ensures the tomatoes caramelize beautifully while the cream cheese softens and turns into a luscious sauce base.

Step 2: Bake Until Creamy and Roasted

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and are slightly blistered. The cream cheese should be soft and melty.

When you take it out, the aroma of baked tomatoes and garlic will fill your kitchen. Stir the mixture together until the cream cheese blends with the tomato juices, creating a creamy, tangy sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.

Learning how to cook pasta perfectly is important — the goal is firm yet tender noodles that will hold up well once mixed with the sauce.

Step 4: Mix, Melt, and Serve

Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish with the creamy tomato mixture. Stir well, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Toss until every piece of pasta is coated and silky smooth.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting mix of baked tomatoes, herbs, and melty cream cheese.

For a delicious side dish, pair this pasta with Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini or a light Cucumber Dill Salad.

Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Pasta

• Use room temperature cream cheese so it melts evenly.
• Don’t overbake the tomatoes — you want them soft and juicy, not dried out.
• Stir immediately after baking to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Add a little pasta water to get the perfect consistency.
• Use fresh herbs right before serving for the best aroma and flavor.

These tips help you achieve restaurant-quality results right at home. If you enjoy using cherry tomatoes in creative ways, try the simple and vibrant Marinated Cherry Tomatoes for salads or appetizers.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ons

This dish is wonderfully adaptable and easy to personalize.

• For a feta pasta twist, replace cream cheese with crumbled feta.
• Add spinach or arugula for freshness and extra greens.
• Use ricotta or mascarpone for a lighter, silkier sauce.
• Mix in roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

You can even transform it into a baked tomato and cheese dip by blending the sauce and serving it with crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Tomato and Cheese Pasta

This baked cream cheese pasta is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate your meal with simple sides.

• Serve with garlic bread or a leafy green salad.
• Pair it with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for a balanced meal.
• Enjoy it alongside Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese for a full comfort-food dinner.
• Use the leftovers cold as a creamy pasta salad for lunch the next day.

For tomato lovers, pairing it with Green Tomato Salsa adds a zesty contrast that brightens the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Refrigerate any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to three days. When ready to reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce. The pasta will taste even richer as the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing is not recommended, as dairy sauces may separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy within a few days while it’s creamy and fresh.

Other Cherry Tomato and Cheese Pasta Recipes to Try Next

If this dish makes you crave more cheesy, tomato-forward meals, explore these:

• Roasted Tomato & Bell Pepper Pasta – Sweet roasted vegetables and herbs.
• Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce – Creamy, cozy, and ideal for fall.
• Creamy Mushroom Pasta – Earthy and deliciously comforting.
• Vegetarian Pasta Primavera – Bright, colorful, and full of seasonal vegetables.
• Garlicky Kale with White Beans and Lemon – A refreshing and nutrient-rich side.
• Sweet Potato and Chickpea Curry – A flavorful meat-free main to balance the meal.
• Cucumber Shrimp Salad – A crisp, protein-rich option for lighter days.
• Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese – A cheesy side that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Each of these dishes complements the flavors of baked tomatoes and creamy cheese beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using cold cream cheese — it won’t melt properly.
2. Skipping the salt — it helps balance the tomato’s natural acidity.
3. Overcooking the pasta — always aim for al dente.
4. Forgetting to reserve pasta water — it’s essential for creating a silky sauce.
5. Using low-quality olive oil — good olive oil enhances the entire dish.

Avoiding these small mistakes ensures your pasta turns out creamy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes are slightly firmer but roast beautifully.

Can I substitute the cream cheese with something else?
You can use feta for a tangy version or ricotta for a lighter, fluffier texture.

What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce best.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly tomato and cheese pasta dish.

Can I make it spicy?
Definitely! Add chili flakes, a touch of cayenne, or drizzle chili oil for extra heat.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Baked Cream Cheese Pasta is the perfect comfort meal when you want something creamy, hearty, and effortlessly delicious. With roasted cherry tomatoes, rich cream cheese, and a touch of herbs, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together around the table.

It’s one of the easiest tomato dishes you can make yet feels indulgent and special. You’ll love how the creamy sauce clings to the pasta, how the tomatoes burst with flavor, and how simple it is to put together.

If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and family or tag it on your favorite food social platform. Don’t forget to subscribe for more cherry tomato recipes, cheese pasta ideas, and weeknight-friendly dinners that are both easy and satisfying.

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