Imagine the comforting warmth of creamy linguine pasta infused with the irresistible flavor of everything bagel seasoning. This unique twist on classic pasta brings together the zestiness of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried garlic, creating a dish that is both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this Everything Bagel Pasta effortlessly combines familiar textures with bold flavors. The luscious cream cheese sauce coats each strand of linguine, while the crispy onions and bagel spices add a delightful crunch.
- The distinctive everything bagel seasoning elevates a traditional creamy pasta to an exciting new level.
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- A versatile dish that appeals to pasta lovers and bagel enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- Linguini pasta (16 ounces): Long, thin noodles that provide the perfect base for creamy, rich sauces, offering a satisfying bite.
- Reserved pasta water (½ cup): Starchy water from cooking pasta, essential for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to noodles.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Adds rich creaminess and helps sauté onions without altering the seasoning balance.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 cup / 1 small onion): Supplies sweetness and depth, softening to build a flavorful sauce base.
- Everything bagel seasoning (2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon for garnish): A blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion flakes, delivering zesty, nutty flavor throughout the dish.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances and balances all the flavors in the sauce and pasta perfectly.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds mild heat and aromatic notes to complement the bagel seasoning.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): Provides a rich, tangy creaminess essential for a luscious pasta sauce.
- Whole milk (2 cups): Balances richness while thinning the sauce to a silky, smooth consistency.
- Pecorino Romano cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds sharp, salty, and nutty flavors that enhance the savory profile of the dish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Offers a light, fresh contrast and vibrant green color for garnish.
Instructions
- Cook the linguini pasta
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In a large stockpot, boil the linguini according to package directions (typically 9 to 11 minutes) until al dente. Reserving half a cup of pasta water before draining will provide needed starch to enrich the sauce and help it bind perfectly to the noodles.
- Sauté onions with butter and seasoning
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While the pasta cooks, melt butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add diced onions, everything bagel seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until onions are soft and translucent, which deepens flavor and infuses the butter with aromatic spices.
- Create a roux with flour
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Sprinkle flour over the sautéed onion mixture, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes. This step eliminates any raw flour taste and starts the thickening process for the creamy sauce.
- Incorporate reserved pasta water
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Whisk in the reserved starchy pasta water gradually to the roux, ensuring no lumps form. This blending technique creates a smooth base and adds slight body to the sauce.
- Melt in cream cheese
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Add cream cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth. The cream cheese adds tang and richness that compliment the savory spice blend perfectly.
- Add milk and thicken sauce
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Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking constantly to maintain an even texture. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened, ensuring a creamy consistency that clings well to the pasta.
- Stir in Pecorino Romano cheese
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Mix in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese, which adds savory depth and umami complexity, perfectly balancing the tangy cream cheese and bold spices.
- Toss linguini in sauce
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Add the drained linguini to the sauce and toss thoroughly until strands are evenly coated, ensuring that every bite delivers creamy texture and burst of everything bagel flavor.
- Garnish and serve
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Sprinkle extra everything bagel seasoning and fresh chopped parsley over the pasta before serving. Garnishing brings brightness, texture, and visual appeal to this indulgent dish.
- Cook pasta al dente for ideal bite and to prevent overcooking when tossed with sauce.
- Watch seasoning carefully when sautéing to avoid burning the garlic and spices, which can create bitterness.
- Constant whisking prevents lumps and helps the sauce develop a smooth, creamy texture.
Storage Tips
Store leftover Everything Bagel Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this flavorful pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for balance. It also makes a satisfying side dish accompanying grilled chicken or salmon.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth melt and luscious sauce.
- Reserve pasta water each time you cook pasta; it’s key for achieving perfect sauce consistency.
- For extra texture, toast some sesame seeds and sprinkle on top as garnish.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
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Yes, feel free to substitute linguini with fettuccine, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Is there a vegan alternative for the cream cheese?
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You can substitute with vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk to make this dish vegan-friendly, though flavor may vary slightly.
- Can I make this pesto in advance?
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The sauce is best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce a day ahead and reheat gently while stirring in reserved pasta water to adjust texture.
- What is everything bagel seasoning?
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It’s a seasoning blend usually made from sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt—commonly used on everything bagels.
- How spicy is this dish?
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This pasta has a mildly spicy and savory flavor profile from the pepper and seasoning but is generally not hot or spicy.
Everything Bagel Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large stockpot for cooking pasta
- 1 large skillet for sautéing and making the sauce
Ingredients
- 16 ounces linguine pasta cooked
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup yellow onion diced (about 1 small)
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup pecorino romano cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning for garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Cook linguine pasta according to package directions (9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté diced onions with everything bagel seasoning, salt, and pepper until onions are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes until raw flour is no longer visible.
- Whisk reserved pasta water into the flour mixture carefully to avoid lumps.
- Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
- Gradually whisk in whole milk, cooking the sauce for 3-5 minutes while whisking constantly until it thickens.
- Stir in grated pecorino romano cheese until combined.
- Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss well to coat thoroughly.
- Garnish with additional everything bagel seasoning and chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente for the best texture.
- Stir frequently while sautéing to prevent burning the spices and onions.
- Keep whisking constantly when cooking the sauce to maintain smooth creaminess and avoid lumps.
