Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with each bite. This dish features tender penne coated in a rich garlic cream sauce, making it perfect for all occasions—from cozy weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. Its easy preparation and delightful flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This creamy garlic penne pasta can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a complete meal or serve it as a standalone dish.
- Family Favorite: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta appeals to both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning or add your favorite herbs to make this dish your own.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make preparing Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the penne pasta evenly without overcrowding.
- Colander: Helps drain the pasta quickly while retaining its shape.
- Saucepan: Perfect for preparing the creamy garlic sauce without any mess.
- Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of ingredients in the sauce, preventing lumps.
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
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a 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 saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually stir in whole milk and heavy cream until well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta with Sauce
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
- Add cooked penne pasta into the sauce; mix well until fully coated.
Step 4: Serve Your Dish
- Plate your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Enjoy this delicious meal hot!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Grilled Chicken
- Adding sliced grilled chicken on top of the pasta provides a protein boost and enhances the overall flavor.
Tossed with Fresh Vegetables
- Mix in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and nutrients that complement the creamy sauce.
As a Baked Dish
- Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake until golden for a crispy finish that everyone will love.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the freshness of the dish.
Paired with Crusty Bread
- Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or baguette slices to soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
To achieve the perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, keep these tips in mind. They’ll help you create a dish that’s rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.
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Use high-quality ingredients – Fresh garlic and good-quality Parmesan cheese make all the difference in flavor and creaminess.
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Don’t overcook the pasta – Cook penne al dente so it retains its texture and can hold onto the creamy sauce better.
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Whisk continuously – When adding flour and milk for the sauce, whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
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Adjust seasoning – Taste as you go! You can always add more salt or pepper based on your preference.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement this rich dish perfectly.
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Caesar Salad – A classic salad with crunchy romaine, croutons, and creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the pasta.
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Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted until tender adds a nice crunch and earthy flavor.
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Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce and rounds out the meal beautifully.
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Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction brighten up your plate.
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Steamed Broccoli – Simple yet nutritious steamed broccoli provides color and balances out the richness of the pasta.
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Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil makes for a fresh appetizer that compliments creamy dishes well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Skipping the salt – Many people forget to salt the pasta water. Salting enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Always remember to add enough salt to your boiling water.
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Overcooking the pasta – Cooking penne too long makes it mushy. Follow package instructions and aim for al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite.
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Not using fresh garlic – Using pre-minced garlic can dull the flavor. Freshly minced garlic offers a stronger, more vibrant taste that elevates your sauce.
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Adding cheese too quickly – If you add Parmesan cheese too soon, it can clump together. Stir in the cheese gradually once your cream sauce is off heat for a smooth finish.
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Neglecting to taste – Failing to taste as you cook can lead to bland pasta. Always adjust seasonings like salt and pepper based on your preference before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil; heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments until warm.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or cream in a pan and reheat over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta:
Can I make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Just remember to reheat gently.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and butter for a lighter version. However, this will alter the creaminess slightly.
Is Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly, making this dish perfect for meat-free meals.
How do I customize my Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even proteins such as chicken or shrimp for extra flavor and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its creamy texture paired with garlicky goodness makes it an irresistible choice for any dinner table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste!
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, delivering a rich, velvety sauce that envelops tender penne in a symphony of flavors. This dish combines aromatic garlic and creamy Parmesan to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a casual weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering. With its straightforward preparation, you can whip up this indulgent pasta in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights when you crave something hearty and delicious. Customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies to elevate your dining experience even further.
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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook until golden, then gradually add milk and cream, stirring until smooth.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese, season with salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.
- Combine the cooked penne with the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
