Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to your table. This recipe features tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich garlic cream sauce, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner party, this creamy garlic penne pasta is sure to impress. Its simplicity and delicious flavors make it a standout dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits perfectly into busy schedules.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates a luxurious taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it pairs well with proteins and vegetables alike.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners and gatherings, this pasta is always a favorite among guests.
- Customizable Ingredients: Adjust the seasonings or add proteins like chicken or shrimp for a personal touch.
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making your creamy garlic penne pasta, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta evenly and preventing overcrowding.
- Skillet: Ideal for preparing the creamy sauce while ensuring even heat distribution.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency in the sauce by blending ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
For the Sauce
- 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
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if desired.
- Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Enjoy your creamy garlic penne pasta warm!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Serving Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that complement its rich flavors.
With Grilled Chicken
- Adding grilled chicken on top provides protein and a delightful texture contrast.
Topped with Crispy Bacon
- Crumbled crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that enhances the creamy sauce.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkling fresh basil or parsley gives a burst of color and freshness to each plate.
Accompanied by Garlic Bread
- Serve with warm garlic bread for soaking up every bit of the luscious sauce.
Paired with a Garden Salad
- A light garden salad balances the richness of the pasta, making for a refreshing side.
Finished with Extra Parmesan
- A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving takes the dish to another level of indulgence.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
To ensure your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers a robust flavor compared to pre-minced options.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook penne until al dente; it will continue cooking in the sauce, preventing mushiness.
Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste as you go! Start with less salt and pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
Add cheese off the heat: Stir in Parmesan cheese after removing from heat to maintain its creamy texture without clumping.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options:
Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crisp romaine and tangy dressing that complements the pasta’s creaminess.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring color and nutrients to your plate.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds elegance and a touch of earthiness.
Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a crunchy appetizer that excites the palate.
Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and cured meats creates a savory starter that pairs beautifully with pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, it’s easy to overlook small details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using low-quality pasta: High-quality penne pasta holds the sauce better and enhances flavor. Always choose a reputable brand for the best results.
- Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked penne becomes mushy. Cook until al dente, following package instructions for optimal texture.
- Neglecting to season: A lack of seasoning can lead to blandness. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Skipping the garlic: Garlic is key for flavor in this recipe. Use fresh garlic for the best taste rather than garlic powder or jarred options.
- Rushing the sauce preparation: Taking time to properly cook and combine ingredients will yield a richer sauce. Allow your butter and flour mixture to cook briefly before adding milk.
- Not garnishing: Skipping garnish can make your dish look less appealing. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the pasta to cool before sealing for best preservation.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Label with a date for reference when stored.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a rich dish made with tender penne pasta smothered in a silky garlic cream sauce, perfect for any meal.
Can I add vegetables to Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
Absolutely! Consider adding spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
How can I make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta lighter?
To lighten the dish, opt for low-fat milk instead of whole milk and reduce the amount of heavy cream used.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
You can substitute with Pecorino Romano, nutritional yeast (for vegan options), or omit it entirely if desired.
How long does it take to prepare Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time—perfect for a quick dinner!
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is not only comforting but also versatile. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it an excellent choice for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables, making it your own delightful creation.
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring al dente penne pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce. This quick and easy recipe takes just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The rich flavors of garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese meld together to create a satisfying meal that everyone will adore. Customize your dish by adding grilled chicken, vegetables, or fresh herbs to elevate the taste even further. Whether served as a main course or side dish, this creamy pasta is guaranteed to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in flour for about a minute before gradually whisking in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Bring sauce to a simmer, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional seasonings.
- Add cooked penne to the sauce, tossing until evenly coated. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
