If you are craving a comforting, flavorful pasta dish that’s incredibly easy to make yet feels luxurious, this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. Perfectly tender penne noodles swim in a velvety sauce rich with garlic, Parmesan, and cream, creating a dish that’s equally wonderful for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s the kind of recipe that wraps you up in warm, cheesy goodness with every bite and always leaves you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and flavor that come together flawlessly. From the tender penne that holds the sauce to the fragrant garlic and creamy Parmesan base, every element is essential and accessible.
- 12 oz penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to catch that creamy sauce in every nook and cranny.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic without overpowering its flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh, fragrant garlic is the star aromatics giving the sauce its bold, savory punch.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent to create a luscious, smooth sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk: Brings silkiness and a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic’s sharpness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgence, making the sauce perfectly rich and creamy.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding savory depth and that signature nutty flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to enhance and round out all the flavors.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Offers a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish elegantly.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the penne pasta until al dente, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This ensures the pasta remains firm enough to hold the luscious sauce without becoming mushy. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Watch closely and sauté for just a minute or two until the garlic releases its wonderful aroma—but don’t let it brown as that can introduce bitterness. This step infuses the butter with fragrant garlic flavor, setting the foundation for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Create the Roux and Add Dairy
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly to make a smooth roux. This mixture is what will thicken your sauce beautifully. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go to avoid lumps and create a silky, uniform base for the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Season
Once the sauce is smooth and starting to bubble gently, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to melt thoroughly, transforming the sauce into a rich, cheesy dream. Then, taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring all the flavors into harmony.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now comes the best part—pouring the creamy garlic sauce over the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece is generously coated with the sauce’s creamy goodness.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Transfer your creamy masterpiece to plates or a serving bowl, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for that vibrant touch, and dive in while it’s warm and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding freshly chopped parsley not only brightens the plate visually but also adds a hint of fresh herbal flavor that complements the richness of the dish. For a little extra zing, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic penne pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even a crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. For protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp make splendid additions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to highlight the silky sauce pooling around each penne. For a family-style meal, use a large serving dish and garnish creatively with edible flowers, microgreens, or extra Parmesan curls for an inviting presentation that makes everyone eager to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, but the sauce may thicken, so a quick stir before reheating is helpful.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly—about 1 to 2 months is ideal for freezing to maintain flavor and creaminess.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but stir frequently to avoid hotspots and drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other tubular pastas like rigatoni or farfalle, and even spaghetti or fettuccine, work wonderfully depending on your preference.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and vegan butter, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.
How can I add protein to this pasta?
Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits make delicious protein additions that pair naturally with the creamy garlic sauce.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce feels too thick, simply whisk in a little extra milk or cream a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat while stirring and then toss with freshly cooked pasta to avoid lumps and maintain that perfect creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that brings warmth and joy to the table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite to turn to whenever comfort food calls. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to savor a pasta experience that feels special every single time.
Print
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy garlic penne pasta recipe combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich and velvety garlic Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal comforting meal that’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings for a decadent yet easy pasta dish.
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 black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Make Roux and Add Dairy: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and garlic, stirring constantly to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to make sure all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy garlic penne pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or reduced-fat milk and cream.
- Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.
- Ensure garlic is cooked just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon standing.
