Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate go-to comfort food that wraps you in its rich, velvety embrace with every bite. This dish features tender penne smothered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, making it both indulgent and ridiculously easy to whip up. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive meals at dinner parties, this pasta is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only 25 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy garlic sauce brings a delightful richness that elevates simple pasta to gourmet status.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp.
- Family-Friendly: With its mild flavors, even picky eaters will enjoy this creamy garlic penne pasta.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering, this dish fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot ensures even cooking and prevents clumping of the penne.
- Large skillet: This allows ample space to mix the garlic cream sauce with the cooked pasta seamlessly.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for another minute until lightly golden.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
- Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer while stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning
- Once simmering, add grated Parmesan cheese along with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
- Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy sauce.
- Toss gently to coat all pasta with sauce evenly.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate your creamy garlic penne pasta hot.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite side salad or bread!
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors. Whether you’re looking for a simple presentation or want to impress your guests, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Grilled Chicken
- Grilled chicken breast pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, adding protein and a smoky flavor.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the pasta for a fresh touch and vibrant color.
With Garlic Bread
- Serve alongside crispy garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and add crunch.
As a Layered Dish
- Create a lasagna-style bake by layering the penne with additional cheese and baking until golden.
Paired with Roasted Vegetables
- Complement the pasta with roasted seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor variety.
How to Perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives your sauce an intense flavor compared to pre-minced options.
- Adjust consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more milk or cream until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Cook penne al dente so it retains some firmness and holds up well in the sauce.
- Add cheese gradually: Incorporate Parmesan cheese slowly into the sauce for a smooth melt without clumping.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add red pepper flakes or lemon zest for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Complementing your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is easy with these delicious side dishes. Each one adds something special to your meal.
- Caesar Salad: A classic salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds crispness.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious option that balances the richness of the pasta.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil offers a fresh bite that contrasts nicely with creamy dishes.
- Caprese Salad: This salad, made of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze, brings brightness to your plate.
- Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy potatoes infused with garlic echo the flavors in the pasta while providing heartiness.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quickly cooked spinach seasoned simply adds color and vitamins without overpowering your meal.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears grilled lightly enhance your dish’s elegance and add nutritional value.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an excellent finger food that pairs well alongside creamy pasta dishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make small mistakes that can affect the outcome of their Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of.
- Using low-quality pasta: Cheap pasta can turn mushy and ruin the dish. Always opt for a good quality penne for the best texture.
- Overcooking the garlic: Burning garlic can make it bitter. Sauté it until fragrant, but don’t let it brown too much.
- Skipping the seasoning: Insufficient seasoning can lead to bland pasta. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
- Not reserving pasta water: This starchy water helps thicken the sauce and bind it to the pasta. Always remember to save a cup before draining.
- Adding cheese too early: If you add cheese too soon, it may clump instead of melting smoothly into the sauce. Stir in cheese gradually after removing from heat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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- Container: Use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
Freezing Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
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- Duration: Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
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- Container: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion.
Reheating Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or cream in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a rich dish featuring tender penne coated in a silky garlic cream sauce. It’s perfect for any occasion.
Can I use whole wheat penne?
Yes! Whole wheat penne adds more fiber and nutrition while still delivering great taste.
How can I customize this recipe?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or protein such as chicken or shrimp for added flavor and nutrition.
Is Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and reheats easily, making it ideal for meal prepping during busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cozy night in or serving it at a dinner party, this dish never disappoints. Remember, you can customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste. Give it a try!
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This rich and velvety dish features tender penne pasta enveloped in a luxurious garlic cream sauce, making it a delectable choice for busy weeknights and elegant dinner parties alike.
Ingredients
- 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 pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook briefly before whisking in milk and cream until smooth; bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese along with seasonings, stirring until melted and thickened.
- Toss cooked pasta with the creamy sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
