Imagine walking into your kitchen, the intoxicating aroma of garlic and butter embracing you like a warm hug. It’s one of those evenings when the thought of fast food just doesn’t cut it, and all you want is a comforting dish that feels like a warm embrace. That’s where my Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta comes in. This dish is a delightful marriage of simplicity and flavor, transforming everyday ingredients into a gourmet experience in just 25 minutes.
I first stumbled upon this recipe after a long week, craving something rich yet comforting. It quickly became a staple, dazzling everyone at my dinner table. With its creamy texture, perfectly sautéed garlic, and the nutty notes of freshly grated parmesan, this pasta dish promises to impress without the fuss. Plus, it’s easily adaptable—perfect for tossing in whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand.
So, let’s put aside the takeout menus and dive into this creamy, garlicky goodness that’s sure to become a beloved weekly fixture in your home cooking repertoire!
Why You'll Love This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The rich flavors of garlic and creamy parmesan create a mouthwatering experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
- It's versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins, allowing you to experiment and cater to your family's preferences.
- Plus, the visually appealing presentation topped with fresh parsley makes it a crowd-pleaser, ensuring your dinner guests will be asking for seconds.
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Ingredients
• Dive into a symphony of flavors with this creamy garlic penne pasta recipe!
For the Pasta
• 12 oz penne pasta – Cook until al dente for the perfect bite.
For the Sauce
• 2 tablespoon butter – Adds a rich depth to the creamy sauce.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Aids in sautéing the garlic to golden perfection.
• 5 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic boosts flavor and aroma in every bite!
• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates the luscious, creamy base for the sauce.
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – Freshly grated cheese melts better and enhances the taste.
• 0.25 cup reserved pasta water – Use to achieve the desired sauce consistency.
• salt and pepper (to taste) – Season to elevate the flavor of the creamy garlic penne pasta.
For Garnish
• fresh parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
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Boil Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the 12 oz penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve about 0.25 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté Garlic: In a large pan, melt 2 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 5 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
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Add Cream: Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and bubbles softly.
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Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in 0.5 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing until well coated. Introduce the reserved pasta water a little at a time, mixing until you achieve your desired consistency.
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Serve Warm: Plate the creamy garlic penne pasta, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy while warm for a comforting meal!
Optional: Sprinkle extra parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
Elevate your cozy meal with delightful pairings that complement the rich flavors of creamy garlic perfection.
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Garlic Bread: Warm, toasty garlic bread offers the perfect crunch, enhancing the garlic flavor while soaking up every creamy bite.
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Caesar Salad: This classic salad brings a refreshing crunch and tangy dressing to balance the richness of the pasta. The crisp romaine pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
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Steamed Broccoli: Vibrant green florets bring a nutritious, fresh element to your plate. Their slight bitterness contrasts with the pasta's creamy texture splendidly.
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Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, caramelized tomatoes add a burst of juicy flavor. Their vibrant color and acidity brighten the dish and lift the heaviness of the cream.
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Chicken Piccata: Juicy chicken with a zesty caper sauce makes a wonderful protein to accompany your pasta. The bright flavors of lemon complement the creamy garlic sauce perfectly.
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Sparkling White Wine: A bubbly white wine provides a refreshing palate cleanser, while its acidity enhances the creamy richness of the penne. It's a match made in culinary heaven!
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Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse brings a touch of sweetness that contrasts the savory pasta. It's a heavenly finish to a delightful meal.
How to Store and Freeze Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Fridge: Store leftover creamy garlic penne pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and make sure to leave some space for expansion as it freezes.
Thawing: To defrost frozen creamy garlic penne pasta, place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat in a pan, adding a bit of reserved pasta water for a creamy finish.
Reheating: When reheating, add additional cream or water gradually to restore the sauce’s richness and avoid drying out. Enjoy your delicious creamy garlic penne pasta!
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own; the possibilities are as delicious as they are diverse!
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Vegetable Medley: Add in your favorite sautéed veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a healthy twist. They’ll add a pop of color and flavor to your creamy pasta.
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Protein Boost: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to add heartiness. This option takes your pasta from a side dish to a satisfying main course!
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Gluten-Free: Swap out penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rich sauce will coat the pasta just beautifully, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish without worry.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a hint of heat. This fiery variation balances perfectly with the creamy texture of the sauce!
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Nutty Flavor: Stir in a spoonful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an extra crunch and a delightful nutty flavor layer. It brings an unexpected surprise that elevates each bite.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the creaminess while ensuring it fits a dairy-free lifestyle. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements the garlic.
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Pizza Style: Sprinkle in Italian herbs and top with mozzarella cheese before broiling for a few minutes. You’ll have a comforting pasta that’s reminiscent of your favorite pizza!
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Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest or juice can brighten the dish beautifully, bringing a fresh note that enhances all the rich flavors. It’s the perfect secret ingredient to elevate your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta!
Make Ahead Options
These Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta preparations are perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight! You can cook the penne pasta and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh in an airtight container. The creamy sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours; just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from thickening too much. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to bring back the creamy texture, then toss in your prepped pasta. You'll still enjoy that rich, comforting flavor with minimal effort!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For your creamy garlic penne pasta, ensure you cook the penne just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture that holds the sauce well.
- Be careful not to over-sauté the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter if browned too much.
- For an extra creamy sauce, whisk in the parmesan cheese gradually, which helps achieve a smooth consistency without clumps.
- Don't forget to check the seasoning of your sauce before tossing in the pasta, as this step can elevate the overall flavor of your dish.
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I know when my garlic is fresh?
When selecting garlic, look for firm bulbs without any dark spots or sprouts. Fresh garlic should feel heavy for its size and should not have any soft or mushy spots. If it has green sprouts, you can still use it, but the flavor may be slightly more bitter.
What’s the best way to store leftover creamy garlic penne pasta?
Store any leftover creamy garlic penne pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of extra cream or reserved pasta water to bring back its creamy texture.
Can I freeze creamy garlic penne pasta?
Absolutely! To freeze your creamy garlic penne pasta, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave a little room for expansion as the pasta freezes. This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, ensuring you always have a delicious meal ready at a moment's notice.
How should I thaw and reheat my frozen pasta?
To thaw your frozen creamy garlic penne pasta, transfer it to the fridge overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. Once thawed, reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water or cream. This will help restore the creamy consistency and keep it from drying out.
Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Certainly! For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of milk and a thickening agent, like cornstarch. If you're vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative, use a non-dairy cream, and find a dairy-free cheese that melts well. Always check for gluten-free pasta options if you're avoiding gluten. Enjoy customizing this recipe to fit your needs!
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
If you find your creamy garlic penne pasta sauce becomes too thick, don't worry! Simply add a little of the reserved pasta water or extra cream gradually while stirring. This will loosen up the sauce to your desired consistency, ensuring it's still creamy and delightful!
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve about 0.25 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large pan, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring gently. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and bubbles softly.
- Stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing until well coated. Introduce the reserved pasta water a little at a time, mixing until you achieve your desired consistency.
- Plate the creamy garlic penne pasta, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy while warm for a comforting meal!
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