Everything Bagel Pasta: A Creamy Twist on a Breakfast Favorite
You’ve heard of everything bagel seasoning on avocado toast, eggs, and even popcorn—but have you ever tried it in a rich, creamy pasta? If not, you’re in for a treat. This Everything Bagel Pasta takes the beloved flavors of your favorite morning bagel and transforms them into an irresistibly comforting dinner. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly garlicky, and deeply satisfying, with that iconic blend of sesame, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt giving it an addictive flavor punch.
When I first made this recipe, I wasn’t sure if the combination would work—but from the very first bite, I was hooked. Imagine silky linguine coated in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, butter, and Pecorino Romano, balanced perfectly with the savory crunch and aroma of everything bagel seasoning. The result is cozy and familiar, yet completely unexpected—a restaurant-worthy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food that still feels creative. It’s also a conversation starter at potlucks or dinner parties; people can’t help but ask, “Wait… did you say Everything Bagel Pasta?” Like the inventive recipes from Half Baked Harvest or Pinch of Yum, this dish proves that comfort food can be playful, indulgent, and easy all at once.
Everything Bagel Pasta Recipe
Print
Everything Bagel Pasta – Creamy, Savory, and Totally Addictive
Description
This Everything Bagel Pasta blends creamy cheese sauce with the savory crunch of everything bagel seasoning. It’s a cozy, flavorful twist that turns your favorite breakfast spice blend into a dinner showstopper—simple, indulgent, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 16-ounce box linguine pasta, cooked
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup (1 small) yellow onion, diced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil linguine according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Set both aside.
- Sauté the onion: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Make a roux: Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for about 1 minute to create a smooth paste. This will help thicken your sauce.
- Add milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, about 4–5 minutes.
- Season and add cream cheese: Stir in everything bagel seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add the cream cheese in chunks, whisking until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Add cheese and pasta: Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese until melted. Add the cooked linguine, tossing well to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning and chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Active time: 20 minutes. The sauce thickens as it cools, so if you’re reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or pasta water to bring back that silky texture.
Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Your Everything Bagel Pasta
Getting the Sauce Silky and Smooth
The secret to a luxuriously smooth sauce lies in temperature control. Keep the heat medium-low when melting the cream cheese and whisk continuously. If the sauce looks too thick, add a few tablespoons of warm pasta water—it emulsifies the fats beautifully, creating that glossy, restaurant-style finish.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Depth
Pecorino Romano adds a salty, tangy kick that complements the cream cheese perfectly, but you can also mix in Parmesan for a nuttier flavor. For extra indulgence, add a small handful of shredded mozzarella for an ultra-creamy, stretchy texture.
Layering Flavor with Toasted Seasoning
For a richer flavor, toast the everything bagel seasoning in a dry skillet for 30 seconds before adding it to the sauce. This releases the oils from the sesame seeds and amplifies the garlicky aroma, giving the dish a deeper, more complex flavor.
Balancing the Saltiness
Since everything bagel seasoning already contains salt, start with less and taste as you go. The combination of cheese and seasoning can quickly make the dish salty, so adjust gradually for a perfectly balanced bite.
Turning It into a Baked Pasta
If you want a heartier version, transfer the cooked pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and a sprinkle of seasoning, and broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly. It’s the ultimate comfort food casserole twist!
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storing Leftovers the Right Way
Let your pasta cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly but reheats beautifully with a splash of milk.
Reheating for That Freshly Made Creaminess
For best results, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring in a bit of milk or pasta water. Avoid microwaving at high power—it can cause the sauce to separate.
Freezing for Later
Creamy sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, but if you must, store the sauce and pasta separately. Freeze the sauce in a sealed container for up to 1 month, then thaw slowly in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Refreshing the Flavors
After refrigeration, the seasoning may mellow a bit. Sprinkle a touch of fresh everything bagel seasoning and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to wake up the flavors.
Transforming Leftovers into a New Dish
Turn leftover pasta into a creamy bake! Mix with extra cheese and bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes until heated through and bubbly. It’s an effortless way to reinvent your leftovers into something new.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Making It Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free linguine or your favorite alternative pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free thickener. The sauce remains just as creamy and delicious.
Dairy-Free Adaptation
Opt for plant-based butter, almond or oat milk, and vegan cream cheese. Nutritional yeast can replace the Pecorino Romano to maintain that cheesy umami flavor without any dairy.
Lighter Version with Less Fat
Substitute whole milk with 2% milk and reduce the cream cheese to 6 ounces. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie boost that makes the dish lighter yet just as satisfying.
Low-Sodium Adjustment
Everything bagel seasoning can be salty—use a low-sodium blend or make your own with sesame seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and poppy seeds, skipping the salt entirely until you can taste and adjust.
Adding Protein for a Complete Meal
Turn this into a protein-packed dinner by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon. Each adds a delicious layer of texture and turns the creamy pasta into a full, hearty meal.
FAQs About Everything Bagel Pasta
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work beautifully. I personally love shells because they catch the creamy sauce and little bits of seasoning in every bite.
What’s in everything bagel seasoning, anyway?
Typically, it includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt. Each adds crunch and umami that make the pasta irresistibly flavorful.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Broccoli, spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes blend perfectly into the sauce, adding texture and freshness without overpowering the flavor.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
If you like a kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. The spice contrasts beautifully with the creamy base and makes the dish pop.
Can I serve it cold as a pasta salad?
Surprisingly, yes! Chill it completely, then toss with a bit of extra milk to loosen the sauce. It becomes a rich, tangy, creamy pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Everything Bagel Pasta is one of those recipes that sounds quirky at first but quickly becomes a staple once you taste it. The balance of creamy cheese sauce and crunchy, garlicky seasoning hits every comfort note imaginable—warm, savory, indulgent, and just a little bit unexpected. It’s the kind of dish that makes people smile, both for its creativity and its deliciousness.
What I love most is how simple it is. A few pantry ingredients and a handful of minutes turn into something that feels gourmet. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs heart, flavor, and maybe a sprinkle of everything bagel magic.
Next time you’re craving something cozy but excitingly different, skip the takeout and make Everything Bagel Pasta. It’s a playful, creamy twist that celebrates the flavors we already love—in a whole new way that feels downright unforgettable.