Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving something irresistibly indulgent yet wonderfully simple, this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is exactly what you need on your dinner table. Imagine tender penne enveloped in a luscious sauce where rich cream, sharp Parmesan, and fragrant garlic come together in perfect harmony. This dish is comfort food at its finest, offering a silky texture with just the right amount of garlic punch to keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe promises a delicious experience that’s both elegant and approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta lies in how a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients transform into something sublime. Each component plays a crucial role—the pasta offers satisfying chew, the garlic infuses aromatic depth, while the creamy dairy balance adds that signature smoothness and tang.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect tube-shaped pasta for holding onto creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté garlic perfectly.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that perfumes the entire dish.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Creates a roux that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides a velvety base and balances the heaviness of cream.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce’s creaminess to dream-worthy levels.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor and a luscious finish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by boiling the penne in salted water until it reaches al dente—meaning it’s tender but still boasts a slight bite. This texture is key because it contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce, so don’t overcook it! Once done, drain and set the pasta aside while you focus on building that irresistible sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
In the same pot you cooked the pasta, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add your finely minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant and soft, about a minute or two. This releases the garlic’s aromatic oils, creating a savory foundation that’s essential for that mouthwatering garlic flavor.
Step 3: Whisk in Flour to Make a Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste known as a roux. Cook this mixture for about a minute until it takes on a light golden hue. This step is crucial—it will thicken your sauce without any lumps, giving it that silky texture we’re after.
Step 4: Slowly Add Milk and Cream While Whisking
Now for the magic! Gradually pour in your whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once smooth, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This combination ensures your sauce is rich but balanced, perfectly creamy without feeling heavy.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Season
Lower the heat and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—these small touches bring all the flavors together and create a harmonious dish that’s bursting with depth.
Step 6: Toss Penne Pasta in the Creamy Sauce
Finally, add your cooked penne back into the pot and toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat each piece with that dreamy, creamy garlic sauce. Make sure every bite is richly covered before serving to enjoy the full flavor spectrum.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil not only adds a burst of vibrant green color but also a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A little extra grated Parmesan on top is a nice touch for extra cheesy goodness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a handful of sautéed sautéed spinach or garlic-roasted broccoli. These sides add texture, a splash of color, and help balance the meal so it feels light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the creamy garlic penne in individual ramekins topped with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Alternatively, add grilled chicken strips or roasted cherry tomatoes on top to turn the dish into an impressive main course that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so you may find it needs a little splash of milk or cream when reheating to regain that silky texture.
Freezing
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta does not freeze well because dairy-based sauces can separate. It’s best saved fresh or refrigerated if you want to enjoy it later.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the texture smooth and creamy, just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for capturing the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work beautifully, offering different textures and looks.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use whole milk exclusively, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. You might want to add a bit more Parmesan for flavor compensation.
Can I add protein to the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon are delicious additions that turn this pasta into a complete meal with extra flavor layers.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much as it cools, stirring in a little milk or cream while reheating helps loosen it back to the perfect consistency.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can use garlic powder as a last resort, but fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor and aroma. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to replace 4 cloves of fresh garlic.
Final Thoughts
Cooking this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is like wrapping yourself in a warm, comforting hug after a long day. Its rich, garlicky sauce and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that feels both special and effortlessly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to make this recipe and fall in love with its silky, dreamy magic as much as I have!
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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce made with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of milk and heavy cream. It’s simple to prepare and ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests.
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 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside to prevent it from sticking.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot used for pasta, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
- Create Roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour into the butter and garlic mixture. Continue whisking and cooking for about one minute until the mixture turns a light golden color, which helps remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring.
- Incorporate Cheese and Season: Lower the heat to prevent boiling, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is thick and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot, tossing well to coat each piece evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Heat through for a minute to marry the flavors.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness and color.
- To make it vegan, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives.
- Be careful not to overcook the sauce once cheese is added to avoid it becoming grainy.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: creamy garlic penne pasta, garlic pasta recipe, creamy pasta sauce, easy Italian pasta, penne pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta
