Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta (Printable)

Penne in velvety garlic Parmesan cream delivers comfort and rich indulgence for any meal occasion.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces penne pasta
02 - Water, for boiling
03 - Salt, for boiling

→ Creamy Garlic Sauce

04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup whole milk
08 - 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
13 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

→ Garnish (Optional)

14 - Fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Extra Parmesan cheese
16 - Black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
03 - Lower heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream, milk, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes if using, and Italian seasoning. Stir thoroughly and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to ensure even melting. If sauce thickens excessively, blend in reserved pasta water incrementally until desired consistency is reached.
05 - Add drained penne to the skillet. Toss well to fully coat pasta in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to integrate flavors.
06 - Remove skillet from heat. Top with chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, and a dash of black pepper as desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses ingredients you likely have in your kitchen
  • Ready in just twenty five minutes start to finish
  • Perfect balance of garlicky creaminess and cheesy goodness
  • Crowd pleasing and reliable for family nights or dinner guests
02 -
  • Gear towards comfort food cravings on short notice
  • Rich in flavor yet completely approachable for weeknights
  • Makes fantastic leftovers and reheats easily
03 -
  • Use fresh Parmesan and grate it yourself for the best texture.
  • Always reserve extra pasta water to fine tune your sauce
  • Do not rush the garlic step Baby it over gentle heat so it blooms not burns

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