Description
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Enhanced with subtle hints of Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, this dish is garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese, making it a perfect easy-to-make meal for any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Water & salt (for boiling)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- A dash of black pepper (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning into the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously to avoid clumping. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water little by little until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly so that the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the sauce flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your creamy garlic penne pasta!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild dish.
- This recipe can be made vegetarian by ensuring the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or more milk but note it may affect creaminess.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Creamy garlic penne, garlic pasta, creamy pasta sauce, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta
