Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: The Coziest Comfort Recipe

Nestled in culinary memories, this creamy garlic penne pasta whispers comfort with every twirled bite.

Aromatic garlic dances through smooth, silky sauce, promising pure satisfaction.

pasta lovers understand the magic of simple ingredients blending into extraordinary moments.

Rich cream coats each tender penne, creating a symphony of flavor that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers that call brilliantly.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, turning an ordinary meal into a celebration of taste.

Come savor a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable experience.

Why Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Is an Irresistible Indulgence

• This recipe offers an incredibly easy cooking process with minimal ingredients, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Flexible recipe allows personal twists like adding protein, switching cheese types, or adjusting spice levels to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for fast, satisfying dinners when time is short and hunger is high.
• Creamy, cheesy pasta appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a simple dish into a universally loved meal that brings everyone to the table with excitement.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding creamy sauce.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious and thick creamy texture.
• Milk: Helps balance and lighten the cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken sauce.

• Garlic, Fresh Parsley: Adds aromatic and fresh herb notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Provides balanced seasoning and gentle heat.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings traditional herbal complexity to the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Garlic Penne from Scratch

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt to make the water taste like the ocean.

Drop in the penne and let it dance around until it’s tender but still has a little bite.

This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

Before draining, scoop out a splash of that starchy water – it’s liquid gold for your sauce.

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

Warm up a large skillet and melt some butter until it’s silky smooth.

Toss in finely chopped garlic and let it sizzle and release its magical aroma.

Give it about 30 seconds – you want it fragrant, not burnt.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

Turn down the heat to a gentle simmer.

• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes
• Italian seasoning

Stir everything together and let it bubble softly for 2-3 minutes, creating a velvety base.

Step 4: Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan, stirring constantly.

This prevents any annoying cheese clumps.

If the sauce looks too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to reach silky perfection.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Pour the drained penne into the skillet.

Toss and coat every single pasta piece in the creamy goodness.

Let it mingle for another 1-2 minutes to soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 6: Final Touch of Elegance

Slide the skillet off the heat.

• Fresh chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan
• A sprinkle of black pepper

Serve immediately and prepare for pasta paradise!

Tips for Rich, Garlicky Pasta Perfection

• Toast garlic gently to release its sweet, nutty essence without burning, enhancing the sauce's depth and aroma.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve perfect sauce thickness, creating a silky, clingy texture that coats each pasta strand.
• Grate Parmesan fresh and incorporate slowly while stirring continuously to ensure smooth, even melting throughout the sauce.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk alternatives for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon bits to transform this creamy pasta into a more substantial, protein-packed meal.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Penne Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Keeps well for 2-3 months. Lay flat to maximize storage space and prevent freezer burn.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of milk or cream to revive sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and maintain pasta's original consistency.

What Goes Well with Creamy Garlic Penne

• Savor the Perfect Pairings
• Complement Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy richness, balancing the garlic's intensity with its bright, acidic profile.
• Enhance Protein Companion: Grilled lemon-herb chicken adds lean protein and fresh citrus notes that elevate the pasta's creamy texture.
• Brighten Side Salad: Arugula salad with light vinaigrette provides a peppery, tangy contrast to the rich, smooth pasta sauce.
• Match Bread Sidekick: Crusty garlic bread helps soak up extra sauce while complementing the dish's garlicky essence.

Creative Variations on Garlic Penne Pasta

• Vegan Creamy Garlic Pasta: Replace heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or cashew cream. Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
• Gluten-Free Herb Penne: Choose gluten-free penne pasta made from rice or chickpea flour. Keep all other ingredients the same. Ensure seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Reduce cooking time for zoodles to prevent overcooking. Maintain the creamy garlic sauce as original recipe.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Option: Add grilled or shredded chicken breast to the pasta for extra protein. Sauté diced chicken with garlic before adding cream sauce. Season chicken with Italian herbs for enhanced flavor.

FAQs

• Is this pasta dish spicy?

You can control the heat by adjusting the red pepper flakes. Use a pinch for mild warmth or skip them entirely for a classic creamy garlic flavor.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with similar tube-shaped pastas like rigatoni or ziti. These shapes hold the creamy sauce perfectly.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-rich?

Consider adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon bits. These protein options blend seamlessly with the creamy garlic sauce and enhance the overall meal.

• What if I don't have heavy cream?

No worries! You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be slightly less rich. For a lighter version, use milk and a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta A Comforting Indulgence Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Culinary magic shines through this creamy garlic penne pasta, blending Italian comfort with rich, velvety sauce. Hearty noodles embrace silky garlic-infused cream, inviting you to savor each luxurious bite of pure pasta perfection.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Pasta Water:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) reserved pasta water
• Water for boiling
• Salt for boiling

Creamy Garlic Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3/4 cup (75 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Dash of black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted pot of water, bringing it to a rolling boil at high heat. Submerge penne pasta and cook until tender yet firm, approximately 10-12 minutes.
2. Drain pasta, preserving ¼ cup of starchy cooking liquid, then set aside.
3. Select a large skillet and melt butter over medium temperature, creating a golden foundation.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds without browning.
5. Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low, creating a gentle cooking environment.
6. Carefully pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, incorporating salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, developing rich flavors.
7. Gradually fold grated Parmesan into the simmering sauce, stirring consistently to prevent cheese from clustering.
8. Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water incrementally, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
9. Transfer drained pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece becomes luxuriously coated with the creamy sauce.
10. Let pasta absorb sauce flavors for an additional 1-2 minutes, enhancing overall taste profile.
11. Remove from heat, garnishing with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
12. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Save that starchy liquid gold to thin out the sauce and add incredible silky texture without losing flavor intensity.
• Adjust garlic amount based on personal preference; crush instead of mince for milder flavor or use roasted garlic for deeper sweetness.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version, use gluten-free penne for celiac-friendly option, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan alternative.
• Enhance dish with crispy pancetta, sautéed mushrooms, or grilled chicken to transform from simple side to hearty main course.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 590 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg