Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, velvety texture with a garlic-infused cream sauce that wraps every piece of pasta in flavor. This dish is a perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and more special occasions. The best part is how easily customizable it is—you can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or your favorite vegetables to make it even more filling.
Ingredients
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12 oz penne pasta
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk for 1-2 minutes to make a smooth roux.
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Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Season the Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let it cook for 1-2 more minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Add protein: Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp will add a hearty touch to this dish.
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Vegetable options: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and color.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if needed for a gluten-free version.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, simply cook it for a few extra minutes to reduce it or add a bit more flour to the roux.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape, but penne works best because it holds the sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You can replace the cream and milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream, and use vegan Parmesan cheese.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
How can I make this spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Make sure to cook the pasta al dente and toss it with the sauce right after draining.
Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Fresh garlic will provide a more vibrant flavor, but pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Serve with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I know when the sauce is the right consistency?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still pourable.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Its rich, creamy sauce and tender pasta are perfect for satisfying comfort food cravings, and it’s easy to customize to suit your preferences. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this pasta is sure to be a hit!
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food featuring a velvety garlic-infused cream sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta. This easy-to-make dish can be customized with grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients
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
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
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Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Season the Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for 1-2 more minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed veggies to make the dish heartier.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- To make it vegan, swap the milk and cream for plant-based alternatives, and use vegan Parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days in an airtight container and reheated on the stove with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
