If you love rich, comforting dishes that come together quickly yet feel like a warm hug on a plate, then this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a luscious sauce bursting with garlic and cheesy goodness—every bite decadent but balanced, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for weeknights or special occasions alike. This recipe strikes the perfect harmony between simple ingredients and gourmet flavors, proving that elegant taste doesn’t have to be complicated.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta lies in how a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role—from the tender al dente penne providing the perfect base, to the butter and garlic creating a flavorful foundation, and the creamy dairy ingredients uniting everything into one irresistible dish.

12 oz penne pasta: Choose good-quality penne for the ideal shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic packs an aromatic punch essential for that signature flavor.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent, giving the sauce its velvety texture.
2 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and a slightly sweet base to the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Amplifies the richness and smoothness, turning ordinary pasta extraordinary.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory sharpness and a touch of saltiness that elevates the entire dish.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture—not too soft but nicely tender. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the delicious sauce. This ensures the pasta will soak up every drop of the creamy sauce when combined later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Using the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sautéing the garlic until fragrant releases its incredible aroma and flavor, forming the flavorful foundation for the sauce. Be careful not to burn it; you want that sweet, garlicky essence to shine without a bitter taste.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about a minute until the mixture turns a light golden brown. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and sets the stage for a creamy, lump-free sauce. The roux is the secret weapon that thickens the sauce to a beautiful, silky consistency.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cream

Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid any lumps. Then, stir in the heavy cream, lowering the heat to gently bring the mixture together. This blend of dairy creates a dreamy, rich sauce with just the right amount of thickness to cling to every piece of penne perfectly.

Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan and Season

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and enriches the sauce with its signature savory tang. Finish by seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the flavors beautifully. The cheese not only imparts taste but also helps achieve that irresistible creamy texture that defines this dish.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, toss the cooked penne back into the pot, coating each piece evenly with the luscious sauce. Give it a gentle stir to ensure every bite is bursting with creamy garlic goodness. At this point, your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is ready to be plated and enjoyed!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that lightens the richness of the pasta. For a little texture contrast, a handful of toasted pine nuts or a dusting of extra Parmesan makes each bite even more exciting. These simple touches elevate your presentation and flavor profile effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette, providing a bright contrast to the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is another classic side that complements the rich garlic flavors beautifully. For something heartier, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add vibrant texture and nutrients.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving the pasta in warm individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a sophisticated touch. You can also try mixing in grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to make it more of a complete meal. For dinner parties, plating with a drizzle of olive oil and a crack of black pepper adds a rustic, homemade charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so before serving again, just reheat gently and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up to that perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

This pasta’s delicate texture doesn’t freeze particularly well because the cream sauce can separate. If you must freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container and consume within a month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight and reheat carefully on the stove with extra cream to revive the sauce.

Reheating

For the best results when reheating Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, warm it slowly over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring, as it can cause uneven heating and separation of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the creamy sauce, other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle will also work wonderfully. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream to reduce the richness slightly. Just keep in mind this might affect the sauce’s thickness and creaminess, so you may need to adjust the amount of flour or add a little extra cheese.

Can I add protein to the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon are fantastic additions that pair beautifully with the creamy garlic flavors. Just cook the protein separately and mix it in during the final toss with the pasta and sauce.

What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?

While Parmesan gives the best flavor and melt, you can try Romano or Asiago cheese if you want a slightly different taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheeses with additives, as they don’t melt as smoothly in the sauce.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour during the roux stage or use less milk. To thin the sauce, stir in extra milk or cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Just take care not to overdo it so the sauce remains luscious and cohesive.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is truly a celebration of comfort and flavor wrapped into one easy-to-make meal. With its rich garlic undertones and velvety sauce, it’s bound to bring smiles around your table and maybe even become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. Don’t wait to dive in—your next cozy dinner date with this delicious pasta is just a few simple steps away!

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

This creamy garlic penne pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked penne tossed in a luscious homemade garlic cream sauce. Made with butter, garlic, flour, whole milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a deliciously indulgent meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

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 pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté garlic: 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.
Create roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and continue cooking for about 1 minute until the mixture becomes golden brown and bubbly, which helps remove the raw flour taste.
Add liquids: Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce starts to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
Finish sauce: Lower the heat, then add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and fully incorporated. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss pasta: Return the cooked penne to the pot and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the creamy garlic sauce.
Serve: Serve immediately while hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with additional milk or use half-and-half.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
Adjust the seasoning at the end carefully, as Parmesan adds saltiness.
To add protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.

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