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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Drain pasta, preserving ¼ cup of starchy cooking liquid, then set aside.
- Select a large skillet and melt butter over medium temperature, creating a golden foundation.
- Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for roughly 30 seconds without browning.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium-low, creating a gentle cooking environment.
- 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.
- Gradually fold grated Parmesan into the simmering sauce, stirring consistently to prevent cheese from clustering.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding reserved pasta water incrementally, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
- Transfer drained pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each piece becomes luxuriously coated with the creamy sauce.
- Let pasta absorb sauce flavors for an additional 1-2 minutes, enhancing overall taste profile.
- Remove from heat, garnishing with fresh parsley, additional Parmesan, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
- 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