Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal when you are craving something rich but easy to throw together. The sauce is velvety and garlicky with plenty of Parmesan, and the whole thing comes together while your pasta cooks. This is my go-to for last-minute dinners when I want to impress without breaking a sweat.

The first time I made this pasta, I was surprised by how restaurant-quality it tasted with such few steps. Now it is my back-pocket recipe for both cozy nights and casual guests, and it has never failed to get rave reviews.

Ingredients

• Penne pasta: Brings just the right shape to hold all the creamy sauce and is easy to find at any store. Look for brands that use durum wheat for the best bite
• Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. Choose a good-quality, fresh butter for a richer flavor
• Fresh garlic: Essential for a big punch of flavor. Use bright, firm cloves and mince just before cooking
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to every piece of pasta
• Whole milk: Provides creaminess without too much richness. Choose milk with a clean, slightly sweet smell
• Heavy cream: Adds body and luxuriously silky texture
• Good-quality Parmesan cheese: Key. Buy a wedge and grate it yourself for the best melt
• Salt and black pepper: Bring out all the flavors in the sauce. Taste and adjust to suit your palate
• Italian seasoning: Optional but offers a hint of herbal lift if you enjoy it
• Chopped fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a fresh finish. Look for leaves that are vibrant green with no wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the penne pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente which will help it hold its shape once it meets the creamy sauce. Drain thoroughly and keep it ready on the side so it doesn’t overcook

Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce:

Sauté the Garlic:

Melt butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Stir gently and let it sizzle for about a minute. Your kitchen should start to smell deeply aromatic but be careful not to let the garlic brown

Make a Roux:

Sprinkle flour evenly over the butter and garlic. Whisk steadily for about one to two minutes until everything forms a smooth paste. This base will help your sauce thicken and stay stable

Add Milk and Cream:

Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream whisking constantly. This process allows the flour to dissolve and avoids lumpy sauce. Keep stirring and let it cook for three to four minutes until the sauce visibly thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon

Season the Sauce:

Add grated Parmesan cheese salt black pepper and Italian seasoning if you like a bit more flavor complexity. Keep stirring for another minute or two until the cheese is fully melted into the sauce which should now look glossy and smooth

Combine and Serve:

Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet with your sauce. Toss well to ensure every bit of penne is covered. Remove from heat and finish with plenty of fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness

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I always look forward to adding fresh parsley at the end. It feels like sprinkling on a little freshness magic right before eating and the smell always reminds me of Sunday pasta nights with my family gathered around the table.

Storage Tips

Let the pasta cool slightly before transferring to a container with a tight lid. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of milk or cream before microwaving or warming on the stove to bring the sauce back to its original creamy glory. Freezing is not recommended as cream sauces can break and lose their texture

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap penne for any sturdy pasta shape like rigatoni or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand. If you need a lighter alternative half and half can take the place of heavy cream. For extra flavor try adding sautéed mushrooms spinach or cooked chicken. Vegan butter and a plant-based cream paired with nutritional yeast can make this suitable for dairy-free diets if needed

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a big basket of warm bread for mopping up any extra sauce. You can top with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat boost

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I find this recipe is both a crowd-pleaser and a sanity-saver on busy weeknights. It delivers real comfort and brings back memories of laughter in the kitchen every time I make it. Making it from scratch takes barely thirty minutes but the smiles it brings last much longer

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

Keep the heat at medium and whisk gradually when adding milk and cream. Avoid high heat for a smooth sauce.

→ Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly, but pre-grated can be used if needed. Add it slowly to prevent clumping.

→ How can I add protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables can be tossed into the pasta for extra protein and variety.

→ What herbs pair well with creamy pasta?

Fresh parsley, basil, or chives add brightness to the dish. Italian seasoning offers a flavorful blend as well.

→ Can this meal be made ahead?

The pasta is best served fresh, but the sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently, adding a splash of milk if needed.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Warm gently in a skillet with a bit of milk or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency and silky texture.