If desired, peel potatoes, or leave the skin on and dice potatoes. Place in a large pot and add water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain potatoes using a strainer and set them aside. 

In the same pot on medium heat, add butter and minced garlic. Allow butter to melt and cook garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic. Add potatoes back into the pot and mash.

Remove from heat and add in cream cheese and mash until cream cheese is melted. Add in salt and pepper and continue to mash. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Finally, add in the milk and stir until smooth. Add more milk as needed to get the desired texture.

Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with parsley if desired.