Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: Pure Indulgence

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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta has a way of making any night feel special. I remember the first time I made it for my family – the kitchen filled with the most amazing aroma of sautéed garlic and simmering cream, and just watching their faces light up as they took their first bites was pure magic. It’s such an easy creamy garlic penne to whip up, even on a busy weeknight, and it tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant. If you’re looking for a truly delicious and simple garlic penne pasta that’s sure to impress, you’ve found it! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

This dish is a winner for so many reasons:

• Incredible Flavor: The rich, garlicky cream sauce is pure comfort food.
• Super Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples for a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour this creamy garlic penne.
• Versatile: It’s a fantastic base for adding chicken or vegetables.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the garlic or add red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Taste of Garlic Butter Penne Pasta: It delivers that satisfying, restaurant-quality garlic butter penne pasta experience at home.
• Pure Comfort: Nothing beats a bowl of warm, cheesy, garlicky noodles.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious penne pasta with garlic cream sauce that’s incredibly satisfying. The quality of your ingredients really shines through here, so opt for the freshest garlic and good Parmesan you can find!

• 12 oz penne pasta – the perfect shape to hold all that luscious sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – the star of our flavor show!
• 2 cups whole milk – provides a creamy base without being too heavy
• 1 cup heavy cream – for that ultra-velvety, rich texture
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty depth
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for sautéing the garlic and building flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste – essential for balancing all the flavors
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – adds a pop of color and freshness

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Learning how to make creamy garlic penne is surprisingly simple and oh-so-rewarding. You’ll have this flavorful dish on the table in no time!

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente – usually about 9-11 minutes. Before draining, scoop out and reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is key to getting the perfect sauce consistency. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare your sauce. Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and let it melt until it’s shimmering. Add the 4 cloves minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until it’s super fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, or it can turn bitter!
3. Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic and butter. Stir it in and cook for another minute, letting it toast slightly. This creates a base for our rich sauce.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Continue whisking and cooking for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is where the magic of a good garlic cream sauce penne recipe really comes to life.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and incorporated smoothly into the sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a little stir and taste to make sure the seasoning is just right for your palate.
6. Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything together gently until every piece of pasta is beautifully coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. This step ensures your creamy garlic penne pasta is perfectly saucy.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color and brightness. Enjoy this delicious homemade creamy garlic penne pasta!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Want to elevate your pasta game? These simple tips will ensure your creamy garlic penne turns out perfectly every single time, just like a professional chef made it.

• Always use freshly minced garlic; pre-minced garlic from a jar can have a metallic taste.
• Don’t skip reserving the pasta water! It’s the secret to achieving a silky, emulsified sauce.
• Grate your Parmesan cheese yourself from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
• Toast your garlic gently, but avoid burning it. Burnt garlic tastes bitter and will ruin the delicate flavor profile.

What’s the secret to perfect creamy garlic penne?

The true secret to the best creamy garlic penne recipe lies in the balance of rich ingredients and proper technique. Using reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce and ensuring your garlic is fragrant but not browned makes all the difference for that authentic taste. For more on cooking techniques, check out our about me page.

Can I make creamy garlic penne ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately a few hours ahead. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce before combining with the pasta.

How do I avoid common mistakes with creamy garlic penne pasta?

The most common pitfalls include overcooking the pasta, burning the garlic, or using low-quality cheese. Always cook pasta al dente, sauté garlic over medium-low heat, and grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful result. Learn more about ingredient quality on our privacy policy page.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

This decadent creamy garlic penne pasta is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple additions. For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread is also a fantastic idea – perfect for soaking up any extra sauce! If you’re entertaining or just want to impress, consider serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier dish. A side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli also complements the flavors wonderfully, especially if you’re craving something like garlic parmesan penne pasta with a vegetable boost. For more serving suggestions, visit our homepage.

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

This rich and satisfying dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures. Each generous serving provides a good source of energy and essential nutrients.

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
• Calories: 550
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 100mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Sugar: 6g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our terms of use.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Even though this creamy garlic penne pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely store leftovers for later. Once it has cooled down completely, transfer the pasta to an airtight container. It should keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to stash it away for longer, this dish freezes beautifully too! For the best results when freezing, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it should last for up to 3 months. This makes it a fantastic option for a quick creamy garlic penne pasta meal down the line!

When you’re ready to reheat, there are a couple of easy methods. For the refrigerator leftovers, you can gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge first before using one of these methods. For any questions about storage, feel free to reach out via our contact us page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

What is creamy garlic penne?

Creamy garlic penne is a popular Italian-American pasta dish. It features penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from garlic, cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, offering a delightful balance of savory garlic and creamy indulgence.

Can I make creamy garlic penne with different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While penne is traditional because its tubes and ridges hold the sauce so well, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni. Even spaghetti or linguine can work if you prefer long pasta, though you might need a bit more sauce to coat them properly. The goal is a delightful simple garlic penne pasta experience, no matter the noodle!

How do I make creamy garlic penne richer or lighter?

To make it richer, you can add a touch more heavy cream or even a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese towards the end of cooking. For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or incorporate some reserved pasta water into a milk-based sauce to achieve creaminess without all the fat. You can also bulk it up with plenty of vegetables! For more on dietary considerations, see our GDPR information.

Is this a vegetarian dish?

Yes, the base recipe for creamy garlic penne pasta is vegetarian, as it typically contains pasta, garlic, cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. You can easily add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or keep it vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Variations of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t be afraid to get creative with this amazing pasta dish! It’s so versatile, and a few simple additions can transform it into something entirely new. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp to make a fantastic chicken creamy garlic penne. If you’re looking for a delicious meatless option, loading it up with sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a wonderful vegetarian creamy garlic penne that’s incredibly satisfying. You could also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or even swap the Parmesan for a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!

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