Pin This creamy garlic penne pasta has become my ultimate comfort food solution whenever life gets hectic. The velvety sauce coats each piece of pasta perfectly, creating a restaurant-quality dish that takes minimal effort to prepare. The aromatic garlic and rich Parmesan combine to create a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together in less time than it takes to get takeout.
I first made this pasta on a rainy Sunday evening when I was craving something comforting but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. My family so was so impressed they requested it three times the following week, and it's remained in our regular rotation ever since.
Ingredients
- Penne pasta: Prov.des the perfect shape for capturing the creamy sauce in its ridges and hollow center
- Butter: Creates a rich foundation for the sauce and helps bloom the garlic flavor
- Fresh garlic: Real minced garlic cloves provide significantly more flavor than pre-minced options
- Heavy cream: The key to achieving that luxurious restaurant quality texture
- Milk: Lightens the sauce slightly while maintaining creaminess
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for best melting properties and flavor
- Italian seasoning: This blend adds complexity without requiring multiple spice jars
- Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds a gentle warmth that balances the richness
- Reserved pasta water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adjust consistency
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil before adding a generous tablespoon of salt. The water should taste like the sea. Add the penne and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until just al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest. Before draining, carefully reserve ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain pasta but do not rinse, as the starch helps the sauce adhere.
- Sauté the Garlic:
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to foam slightly. Add the minced garlic and watch carefully, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant and just barely golden. Be vigilant here as garlic can burn quickly and turn bitter, ruining the entire dish.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low before adding heavy cream and milk to prevent scorching. Pour them in slowly while stirring to incorporate with the garlic butter. Add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning. Allow this mixture to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken slightly as it reduces.
- Incorporate the Cheese:
- Turn the heat to low before adding the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle it in gradually while stirring constantly in a figure-eight motion to prevent clumping and ensure smooth incorporation. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly.
- Combine with Pasta:
- Add the drained penne directly to the skillet with the sauce. Using tongs or two wooden spoons, toss the pasta thoroughly to ensure every piece gets evenly coated. Allow everything to cook together for another 1-2 minutes, during which time the pasta will absorb some sauce and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for one minute. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley which adds both color and a fresh flavor contrast. Add an extra dusting of Parmesan and a crack of black pepper. Serve immediately in warmed bowls for the best experience.
Pin The heavy cream is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. While it might seem indulgent, I've found that substituting with lighter options simply doesn't create the same silky texture that makes this dish so special. My daughter once declared this pasta better than her favorite restaurant version, which remains my proudest cooking moment to date.
Protein Add-Ins
This creamy garlic pasta serves as an excellent base for adding protein to create a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken breast, cut into strips, adds lean protein without overpowering the delicate garlic flavor. For seafood lovers, sautéed shrimp or scallops complement the creamy sauce beautifully—just cook them separately and add them at the final combining stage. Italian sausage, removed from its casing and crumbled, can be browned in the pan before making the sauce, adding a wonderful depth of flavor. Regardless of which protein you choose, be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly, as some options may require less salt in the base sauce.
Vegetable Variations
Transform this indulgent pasta dish into a more nutritionally balanced meal by incorporating vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy umami quality that pairs wonderfully with the garlic cream sauce. Fresh spinach can be stirred in during the final minute of cooking, where it will wilt perfectly into the hot pasta. For a more substantial addition, roasted broccoli or asparagus provide textural contrast and nutritional benefits. During summer months, halved cherry tomatoes stirred in just before serving add beautiful color and a burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
Make-Ahead Tips
While this pasta is best enjoyed freshly made, there are several ways to prepare components ahead of time for even quicker assembly. The sauce can be made up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, gently reheat it in a skillet, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. If you plan to make the entire dish ahead, slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue to absorb moisture from the sauce during storage. When reheating, add a few tablespoons of milk or cream and warm over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and separation.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If your sauce breaks or appears curdled, lower the heat immediately and whisk in a tablespoon of cold cream or milk until smoothness returns. For sauce that's too thick, additional pasta water or milk can thin it to your desired consistency. Conversely, if your sauce is too thin, simmer it longer before adding the pasta, or sprinkle in a little more freshly grated Parmesan, which acts as a natural thickener. Should your garlic burn during sautéing, it's best to start over, as the bitter flavor will permeate the entire dish. When reheating leftovers, do so gently over low heat with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
Pin Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy its creamy perfection.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the creamy sauce from clumping?
Gradually add Parmesan while stirring continuously and incorporate a bit of reserved pasta water until smooth.
- → Can I substitute penne with another pasta shape?
Yes, similar pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli work well and hold the creamy sauce effectively.
- → What is the purpose of reserved pasta water?
Reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce's consistency, allowing it to cling better to the pasta.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
This preparation is naturally vegetarian as long as you use vegetarian Parmesan cheese alternatives.
- → How can I add protein to this meal?
You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and heartiness.