Why You’ll Love Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
This dish is perfect for garlic lovers and pasta fans alike. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, and its simple ingredient list keeps it accessible without compromising flavor. Whether served on its own or customized with proteins or veggies, this recipe is guaranteed to please.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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12 oz penne pasta
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
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Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
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Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
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Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Continue to cook for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Add the cooked penne to the sauce and stir until fully coated.
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Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Add protein: Enhance with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon.
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Add vegetables: Try adding spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
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Spicy option: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat.
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Cheese alternatives: Swap Parmesan with Romano, Asiago, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
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Low-fat version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese quantity slightly.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Let leftovers cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
FAQs
What other pasta can I use besides penne?
Rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle are great alternatives that also hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
You can use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and dairy-free cheese to make a completely dairy-free version.
How do I make the sauce smoother?
Whisk constantly while adding the milk and cream to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and combine with fresh pasta before serving.
Will the sauce thicken more as it cools?
Yes, cream-based sauces tend to thicken as they cool. Add a bit of milk or cream when reheating to adjust consistency.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
While the pasta can be frozen, the cream sauce may change in texture. It’s best to freeze the sauce separately if needed.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How can I make this more flavorful?
Try adding sautéed onions, a splash of white wine, or extra herbs like basil or thyme.
Do I need to use fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but you can use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder in a pinch.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and rich with garlicky, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this dish delivers big flavor in a short amount of time. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a go-to favorite.
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish made with tender penne noodles coated in a silky garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner or an easy side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue to stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss until well coated.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make it a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
