Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Garlic Penne Pasta is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The rich sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, coats tender penne pasta for a flavorful, satisfying meal.
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
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- A dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: 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, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then add salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly to avoid clumps. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth consistency.
- Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy garlic penne pasta!
Tips & Variations
- For an extra boost of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
- You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk to lighten the sauce slightly.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
Storage
Store any leftover garlic penne pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes such as fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream and milk with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to keep the creamy texture.
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Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy garlic penne pasta recipe delivers a luscious, comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick dinner. Penne pasta is cooked to al dente perfection, then coated in a rich sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese, infused with aromatic Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this dish offers a velvety texture and robust flavor that will satisfy any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Water & salt (for boiling)
Sauce
- 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
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- A dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant without browning.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir well to combine and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld and the pasta absorbs the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper over the pasta. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add freshly cracked black pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for optimal flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
- To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and milk.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: garlic penne pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, quick dinner, Parmesan pasta, garlic cream sauce
