Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Garlic Penne Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy garlic sauce. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any time you crave something flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Water & salt (for boiling)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- A dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Step 4: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously to prevent any clumps from forming. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Step 5: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Allow it to cook together for another 1-2 minutes so the pasta can absorb the flavors.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy garlic penne pasta!
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with more milk or use a lower-fat cream option.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein and texture.
- If you don’t have penne, rigatoni or fusilli make great substitutes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better than pre-grated, giving the sauce a smoother texture.
Storage
Store any leftover garlic penne pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving without loosening to prevent drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta dairy-free?
You can substitute the heavy cream and milk with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast to mimic the cheesy flavor.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium heat and watch it carefully, stirring frequently. Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter if burnt, so remove from heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and slightly golden.
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Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Garlic Penne Pasta recipe is a deliciously rich and flavorful Italian-inspired dish. Tender penne pasta is tossed in a luscious garlic-infused butter sauce, blended with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a smooth, indulgent coating. A hint of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick, while fresh parsley and extra Parmesan garnish elevate the presentation. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this straightforward recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- Water & salt (for boiling)
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- A dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water little by little, stirring until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and a dash of black pepper over the pasta. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water as it helps in adjusting the sauce consistency perfectly.
- Do not overcook the garlic as it can turn bitter; sauté just until fragrant.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat to the dish.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Garlic Penne Pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, easy dinner, Parmesan pasta, garlic butter sauce
