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
Scale
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
