Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is about to become your new go-to favorite. Silky, rich, and full of garlicky goodness, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in the most luxurious way. Every forkful promises perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce with just a hint of heat and freshness from the parsley. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with friends, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta brings the kind of joy that only a truly satisfying pasta dish can deliver.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about fresh, flavorful basics that let each component shine. Just a handful of pantry staples and a little love transform into a dish that feels indulgent and special every time.
- Penne Pasta: Choose penne for its perfect shape—those tube-like ridges hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully and give every bite the right balance of texture and flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: Starting with butter creates a rich, smooth base and allows you to control the saltiness of the final sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Four cloves bring deep, aromatic warmth and are the true star of this dish—don’t skimp!
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to make a silky roux, thickening the sauce without feeling heavy.
- Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and body to the sauce, keeping it lush but not overly rich.
- Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream takes the sauce to the next level of silkiness and decadence.
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): For that unmistakable savory, nutty flavor—buy a block and grate it fresh for best results.
- Salt: Just enough to balance and enhance all the flavors in the sauce.
- Black Pepper: Brings a gentle bite and depth to the creamy sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you love a little kick, these will add subtle heat and complexity.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped): A sprinkle on top brightens the whole dish and adds gorgeous color.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne according to the package instructions until just al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture even after being tossed in the sauce. Drain well and set aside—don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later!
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s just beginning to foam. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir constantly and keep a watchful eye: you want the garlic fragrant and soft, not browned, for that signature mellow, sweet flavor Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is famous for.
Step 3: Make the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about a minute. This step is crucial for thickening the sauce—just long enough to cook out the raw flour taste while keeping everything smooth and lump-free.
Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce
Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking, then add the heavy cream. Keep whisking as the sauce comes together and reaches a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This is where the magic begins and the sauce turns ultra-creamy!
Step 5: Stir in the Cheese and Seasonings
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Stir until the Parmesan melts completely and the sauce is smooth and glossy. The cheese brings that satisfying umami punch and ties all the flavors together in Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta.
Step 6: Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors meld and the pasta absorbs just enough of the creamy sauce. If it looks too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Plate the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta immediately, garnishing each serving with plenty of fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm for maximum comfort and flavor—trust me, this is pasta at its best.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of brightness that cuts through the richness. For a little extra flair, sprinkle on more grated Parmesan or a crack of black pepper just before serving to elevate your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread—perfect for swiping up every last bit of sauce. For a lighter touch, add a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables to round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta into an elegant dinner by serving it in shallow bowls with a swirl of sauce on top, or make it family-style in a big, rustic platter. For a protein boost, top with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted mushrooms—each variation adds a different twist to this classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta to an airtight container as soon as possible. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making it even more satisfying the next day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for later. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to one month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just note that the sauce may lose a bit of its creamy texture after freezing, but a splash of milk or cream during reheating brings it back to life.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, and avoid high heat to keep the sauce from separating. For a quick fix, microwaving in short bursts works too—just stir well between intervals.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is the classic choice for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti—whatever you have on hand will work beautifully, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What can I add for extra protein?
This pasta is wonderful as-is, but grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or pan-fried mushrooms make excellent additions. Simply cook your protein separately, then toss it in with the pasta and sauce for a heartier meal.
How do I make it lighter?
If you want to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half in place of the milk and cream, or try a lower-fat milk. Keep in mind, the sauce will be a little less rich but still delicious!
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is completely vegetarian as written. Just be sure your Parmesan cheese is labeled vegetarian, as some brands use animal rennet.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The result is just as creamy and comforting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a soul-soothing, crowd-pleasing dish, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is always a winning choice. It’s quick, deeply satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try and you’ll see just how easy it is to bring a little extra comfort and joy to your dinner table!
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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a rich and flavorful Italian-American dish featuring al dente penne pasta coated in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce made with Parmesan cheese and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or an elegant meal with friends, this recipe is easy to prepare on the stovetop and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Prepare the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the melted butter and garlic mixture. Whisk constantly for about 1 minute to cook the flour and form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, adjusting seasoning to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the milk and cream if preferred for a lighter version.
- This dish pairs excellently with garlic bread and a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
