Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate go-to comfort food that wraps you in its rich, velvety embrace with every bite. Tender penne smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce makes for a dish that’s both indulgent and ridiculously easy to whip up. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that wows at a dinner party, this pasta is always a hit.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic and creamy sauce creates an irresistible flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Versatile Dish: Customize it by adding your favorite proteins or vegetables to make it suit any occasion.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and comforting flavors make this pasta a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more efficient. Gather these essential items before you begin making your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Pot
Large skillet
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Pot: Essential for boiling the penne pasta evenly, ensuring it cooks just right.
Large skillet: Ideal for creating the creamy garlic sauce while allowing enough space for mixing.
Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for consistent results each time you make this dish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz penne pasta

For the Creamy 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)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 11 minutes).
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for another minute until golden brown.
Gradually add whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.
Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
Add cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing well to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.

Step 4: Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta warm!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you want to enjoy it as a main dish or alongside other flavors, here are some serving suggestions that elevate this creamy pasta experience.

With Grilled Chicken

Tender grilled chicken adds protein and complements the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.

As a Side Dish

Serve it as a rich side next to your favorite protein, such as steak or fish, for a well-rounded meal.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Top with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.

Paired with Garlic Bread

Enjoy with warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce—perfect for garlic lovers!

With Roasted Vegetables

Add seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.

How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creating the perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is all about technique and quality ingredients. Here are some tips to ensure your dish is a hit every time.

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality cheese will enhance the flavor of your pasta significantly.
Cook pasta al dente: This helps maintain the pasta’s texture, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Don’t skip the seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste; seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in your garlic cream sauce.
Incorporate starch: Save a bit of pasta water before draining; it can help thicken your sauce and create a creamier consistency.
Let it rest: Allow the pasta to sit for a couple of minutes after mixing it with the sauce. This helps flavors meld together perfectly.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Consider these options for your next meal.

Caesar Salad: A classic salad featuring crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing that balances the creaminess of the pasta.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds nutrition and vibrant color, making it an excellent accompaniment.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Knots: Soft dough knots brushed with garlic butter make for irresistible bites next to your creamy dish.
Roasted Asparagus: Seasoned asparagus roasted until tender enhances your meal’s elegance.
Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh flavor burst that pairs nicely.
Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an earthy touch that complements the creamy penne.
Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables creates an exciting spread alongside your pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

Skipping the garlic prep – Finely mincing the garlic allows it to infuse its flavor into the cream sauce better. Avoid using whole cloves or large pieces.
Overcooking the pasta – Ensure you cook the penne until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Test a piece a minute before the package instructions indicate.
Not adjusting seasoning – The saltiness of Parmesan can vary. Taste your sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper to your preference.
Using low-fat milk – For a rich and creamy sauce, stick to whole milk and heavy cream. Low-fat options may result in a thinner sauce.
Forgetting to reserve pasta water – Save a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. This can help thicken your sauce if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in an airtight container.
It will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results.

Reheating Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop – Heat over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a comforting dish made with tender penne pasta coated in a rich garlic cream sauce. It’s perfect for any occasion.

How can I customize Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute dairy products with almond milk or coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.

What should I serve with Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your family’s tastes by incorporating different proteins or veggies. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its rich flavors any night of the week!

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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

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Author: Amanda
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, delivering a rich and velvety experience with every bite. This dish features tender penne pasta enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce, making it an indulgent yet quick meal perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz penne pasta
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 black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the penne pasta in salted water until al dente (about 11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Whisk in flour and cook until golden brown (about 1 minute). Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired Italian seasoning.
Toss cooked penne in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian