Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a dish that never fails to impress, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The rich, velvety sauce envelops each piece of penne, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that dance on your palate. This recipe has roots in Italian cuisine, where pasta is not just a meal but a celebration of life and togetherness. I love how creamy garlic penne pasta combines the robust taste of garlic with the smoothness of cream, making it a favorite among both pasta lovers and those new to Italian dishes.

People adore this dish for its comforting texture and the way it effortlessly brings warmth to any table. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to whip up, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, creamy garlic penne pasta is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for added freshness)

Preparing the Pasta

1. **Boil Water**: Start by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. The salt will help flavor the pasta as it cooks. 2. **Cook the Penne**: Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta. Stir it gently to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 11-13 minutes, until al dente. 3. **Reserve Pasta Water**: Before draining the pasta, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water will help to create a creamy sauce later on. 4. **Drain and Set Aside**: Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep the starch that will help the sauce adhere.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

5. **Sauté Garlic**: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. 6. **Add Heavy Cream**: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the garlic. Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help thicken the sauce slightly. 7. **Incorporate Parmesan**: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. 8. **Season the Sauce**: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The sauce should be rich and flavorful, with a nice balance of garlic and cheese.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

9. **Add Pasta to Sauce**: Once the sauce is ready, add the drained penne pasta directly into the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce until it is well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a creamy consistency. 10. **Incorporate Cherry Tomatoes**: If you’re using cherry tomatoes, add them to the skillet now. Gently fold them into the pasta and sauce, allowing them to warm through. The burst of freshness from the tomatoes will complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

Serving the Dish

11. **Plate the Pasta**: Using tongs or a large spoon, serve the creamy garlic penne pasta onto plates or into bowls. 12. **Garnish**: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also add extra grated Parmesan on top if you like it extra cheesy. 13. **Enjoy**: Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and creamy. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

– **Quality Ingredients**: Use high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Freshly grated cheese melts better and has a richer taste compared to pre-grated options. – **Adjusting Creaminess**: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth. This will still give you a creamy texture without being too rich. – **Add Protein**: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to the pasta. Simply cook them separately and toss them in with the pasta and sauce. – **Vegetable Additions**: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and color. Just sauté them briefly with the garlic before adding the cream.

Storing Leftovers

14. **Re

Conclusion:

In summary, this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The rich, velvety sauce combined with the al dente penne creates a delightful harmony of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip it up in no time, making it perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous dinner parties. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a fresh side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess, or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize this recipe by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta a try and make it your own. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Cooking is all about sharing joy and creativity, and I can’t wait to see how you make this dish uniquely yours. Happy cooking! Print