Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta (Print)

Penne pasta in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, perfect for quick, comforting meals and easy entertaining.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne pasta
02 - Water & salt (for boiling)

→ For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

03 - 2 tbsp butter
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - ½ cup milk
07 - ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp black pepper
10 - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - ½ tsp Italian seasoning
12 - ¼ cup reserved pasta water

→ For Garnishing (Optional)

13 - Fresh parsley, chopped
14 - Extra Parmesan cheese
15 - A dash of black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Introduce the penne, cooking until it reaches an al dente texture, approximately 10-12 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then proceed to drain the pasta and set it aside.
02 - In a spacious skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 30 seconds, or until its aroma is released.
03 - Reduce the heat to medium-low. Incorporate the heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if utilizing), and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
04 - Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan, ensuring continuous stirring to maintain a smooth consistency and prevent lumps. Should the sauce become excessively thick, introduce the reserved pasta water a little at a time until a fluid texture is achieved.
05 - Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to ensure it is thoroughly coated with the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Top with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients most home cooks already have
  • Creates restaurant quality results with minimal effort
  • Versatile base that can be customized with protein or vegetables
02 -
  • Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table quickly
  • Contains approximately 520 calories per serving
  • Can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk
03 -
  • Always reserve some pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid is essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency
  • Freshly grate your Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting
  • Allow your cream to come to room temperature before adding it to the hot pan to prevent potential curdling

Back