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
Scale
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
