Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy garlic penne pasta is a comforting and delicious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a rich garlic cream sauce and tender pasta, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 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
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the flour cooks and forms a smooth paste.
4. Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk.
• Add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick when reheating?

When reheating, add a small amount of milk or cream and heat gently while stirring. This will help restore the smooth, creamy texture without over-thickening.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 55 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a luscious and comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce made with butter, garlic, flour, whole milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with Italian seasoning and fresh parsley, this easy-to-make pasta is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with loved ones.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

For the Garlic Cream 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
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
3. Make a Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook the flour and form a smooth paste without lumps.
4. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in whole milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Continue cooking the mixture for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes smooth.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
6. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked penne pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving immediately.

Notes

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with additional milk or a milk alternative.
• Ensure the garlic does not brown during sautéing to avoid a bitter flavor.
• Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt and pepper.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
• If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen it before serving.
• This recipe can be made vegetarian by keeping the Parmesan cheese vegetarian-friendly or substituting it with a vegetarian hard cheese.

Keywords: creamy garlic penne pasta, garlic cream sauce, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, vegetarian pasta