Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate go-to comfort food that wraps you in its rich, velvety embrace with every bite. Tender penne smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce makes for a dish that’s both indulgent and ridiculously easy to whip up. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that wows at a dinner party, this pasta is always a hit.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Flavorful Comfort: The creamy garlic sauce is bursting with flavor, making each bite comforting and satisfying.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables for extra nutrition.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this pasta dish appeals to everyone’s taste buds.
Simple Cleanup: Made in one pot, which means less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for cooking the penne pasta evenly and efficiently.
Skillet: Perfect for creating the creamy garlic sauce while keeping all flavors concentrated.
Wooden spoon: Great for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.

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

Boil water in a large pot over high heat. Add salt to taste.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and then add the heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated.
If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Step 5: Serve

Plate your creamy garlic penne pasta hot.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously creamy garlic penne pasta!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy night in or hosting a gathering, these serving suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation of this delectable pasta dish.

Elegant Plating

Use a shallow bowl or plate: This allows the creamy sauce to pool beautifully around the penne, making it visually appealing.
Garnish with parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile.

Pair with Protein

Grilled Chicken: Add slices of grilled chicken for an extra protein boost and a smoky flavor.
Sautéed Shrimp: Lightly sauté shrimp in garlic butter and serve on top for a seafood twist.

Add Vegetables

Steamed Broccoli: This adds vibrant color and balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
Sautéed Spinach: Tossed in just before serving, it adds nutrients and a pop of green.

Create a Family Style Meal

Serve in a large bowl: Allow everyone to help themselves, creating a relaxed dining atmosphere.
Provide extra Parmesan cheese: Set out grated cheese so guests can add as much as they like.

How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Perfecting Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is all about mastering the sauce and cooking techniques. With these tips, you’ll ensure each bite is as delicious as possible.

Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic imparts a robust flavor that elevates your pasta dish significantly.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente; this texture holds up better against the creamy sauce.
Gradually add milk: Adding milk slowly while stirring prevents lumps from forming in your sauce.
Adjust seasoning last: Taste your sauce before adding more salt or pepper to ensure balanced flavors.
Let it sit: Allowing the pasta to rest for a few minutes after mixing helps the sauce adhere better.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Complementing your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

Garlic Bread: A classic pairing, perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce mixed with creamy dressing contrasts nicely with rich pasta.
Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus provides a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with creamy dishes.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil offers freshness and acidity alongside the richness of pasta.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil create a refreshing side that balances the meal’s heaviness.
Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans add color and crunch, enhancing your dish’s visual appeal and taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks encounter pitfalls when making Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. Here are some common mistakes and tips to avoid them.

Using low-quality ingredients: Always choose fresh garlic and good-quality pasta for the best flavor. Cheaper substitutes can affect the overall taste.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for butter, flour, and cheese to achieve the perfect creamy texture. A little too much or too little can change the dish.
Overcooking the pasta: Cook the penne until al dente before adding it to the sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its bite.
Neglecting seasoning: Don’t forget to taste your sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Proper seasoning elevates the flavor of your dish.
Skipping garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances flavor. Don’t skip this simple step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in an airtight container.
It will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

Yes, gluten-free penne works well. Just ensure you follow cooking instructions specific to gluten-free pasta.

What can I add to my Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or protein like chicken or shrimp for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make a vegan version of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

Substitute dairy with almond milk or coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a tasty vegan alternative.

Is Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Just follow storage instructions above.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is not only comfort food at its best but also a versatile dish that you can customize with various ingredients. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite proteins and veggies, this recipe is sure to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cara
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the quintessential comfort food that combines tender penne pasta with a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this indulgent meal in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for both quick dinners and special occasions. The luscious sauce clings to each piece of pasta, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile—customize it with your favorite proteins or veggies to suit everyone’s taste. Serve this creamy delight garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth; simmer until thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning.
Add cooked penne to the sauce, mixing until well coated. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Italian