Name: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
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 pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that wraps you in comfort while bringing a burst of fresh, garlicky flavor, this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender al dente penne bathed in a luxuriously smooth sauce made from garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan, every bite feels like a hug from the inside. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple to pull together yet feels indulgent and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but absolutely essential, each one playing a distinct role in building that irresistible creamy texture and rich, garlicky taste. From the pasta’s firm bite to the sauce’s velvety smoothness, every component matters.

12 oz penne pasta: Chosen for its shape that holds the sauce beautifully in every nook and cranny.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides a silky foundation and enhances the garlic’s aroma without overwhelming it.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The star flavor that makes this pasta irresistible with its warm, fragrant punch.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Key for thickening the sauce perfectly and giving it that creamy richness.
2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and balances the richness of the heavy cream.
1 cup heavy cream: Raises the decadence level, making the sauce luxuriously smooth and indulgent.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings salty, savory depth and a slight nuttiness that rounds out the sauce.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simply necessary to enhance all those beautiful flavors harmoniously.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta until it’s al dente — tender but still with a firm bite. This texture is essential because it provides just the right amount of chewiness that holds up well under the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready when your sauce is perfectly crafted.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Using the same pot, melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it gently until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This step is where the magic begins — the butter softens the garlic’s sharpness, turning it into a mellow, aromatic base for your sauce that will make the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Step 3: Whisk in the Flour

Next, sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the pot with the garlic and butter. Whisk everything together continuously for about a minute until the mixture turns a light golden color. This technique is key for cooking out the raw flour taste and creating a roux, which will thicken the sauce to a perfectly creamy consistency.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cream Gradually

Now comes the truly creamy part: slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the milk is fully incorporated, stir in the heavy cream. Lower the heat and let the sauce gently thicken and become luxuriously smooth, the perfect canvas for the Parmesan cheese that comes next.

Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan and Season

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the sauce. Then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Be sure to taste as you go — the Parmesan adds saltiness, so you want to find just the right balance without overpowering the creamy garlic notes that define this dish.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, toss your cooked penne into the sauce, stirring gently but thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated in that rich, garlicky creaminess. This step brings everything together, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor and velvety texture. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta even more, consider bright garnishes such as freshly chopped parsley or basil. These add not only a beautiful splash of green but also a fresh herbal note that balances the rich sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few cracked red pepper flakes can bring delightful layers of texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines wonderfully alongside crisp, vibrant salads or roasted vegetables. Think a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or oven-roasted asparagus with a touch of olive oil and sea salt. These lighter sides provide a nice contrast that keeps the meal from feeling too heavy and keeps your palate refreshed.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions or to impress guests, serve the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with edible flowers or a drizzle of chili oil for a subtle kick. You could even toss in some sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken slices for heartier variations, making this classic recipe your own culinary canvas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken and firms up, but a quick reheat with a splash of milk will bring it back to that perfect creamy texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the creamy sauce’s texture might change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for the best quality. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a small amount of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge without stirring, as it can heat unevenly and cause the sauce to separate. Slow, gentle reheating preserves the luscious texture we all love.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work wonderfully. Just choose a pasta that traps sauce well to maximize flavor in every bite.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk combined with a dairy-free cream substitute. Nutritional yeast is a great stand-in for Parmesan cheese to maintain that cheesy flavor.

How can I add protein to this recipe?

For a heartier meal, try adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon pieces. Each pairs beautifully with creamy garlic flavors and adds a satisfying protein boost to your dinner.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it separately. When ready to eat, gently reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta to keep that perfect texture and creaminess.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

Simply stir in a bit more milk or cream while reheating until you reach your desired consistency. Whisking continuously helps keep the sauce smooth and luscious.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a small, delicious celebration every time you eat it. Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and incredible flavor come together in a way that’s both comforting and impressive. From casual weeknights to when you want to treat yourself, this recipe is a keeper that will never disappoint.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a luscious, comforting dish featuring al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic-infused cream sauce with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe comes together quickly and delivers a satisfying blend of savory flavors and smooth textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz penne pasta

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
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Butter: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, releasing its aromatic flavor.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute until the mixture turns golden brown. This helps to cook out the raw flour taste and create a smooth base for the sauce.
Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Warm through for an additional minute, then remove from heat.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use reduced-fat milk.
To enhance flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
Parmesan cheese is key for flavor; freshly grated yields the best results.
Make sure to whisk constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Serve immediately for best texture; the sauce may thicken as it cools.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian