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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 36 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

This creamy garlic penne pasta is a quick and comforting Italian-inspired dish featuring tender penne pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce made from butter, fresh garlic, milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal garnished with fresh parsley.


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
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
  3. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Season the Sauce: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce cook for 1-2 more minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
  • Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding a little more milk if it becomes too thick.
  • Italian seasoning is optional but adds a nice herbal note to the sauce.
  • To make it lighter, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Fresh parsley adds color and a fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.