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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: creamy garlic pasta, penne pasta recipe, garlic Parmesan pasta, easy pasta sauce, Italian creamy pasta
