If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s irresistibly rich, silky, and packed with garlicky goodness, this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines al dente penne with a luscious sauce made from fresh garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, creating a comforting yet elegant meal that’s surprisingly quick and easy to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends for dinner, this dish hits every note of creamy, savory perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. Each element plays a crucial role—the pasta provides that perfect chewy texture, the garlic brings aromatic depth, and the creamy sauce delivers indulgent richness.
- 8 oz penne pasta: The perfect tube-shaped pasta to hold onto the creamy sauce with every bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps gently cook the garlic without burning.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the dish its signature bold and savory flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce decadently creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the sauce with nutty, salty richness that balances the cream.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that lift all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Provides a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your penne in salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means it should be cooked through but still have a bit of bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, as it will soon meet its creamy companion.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté it gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. This step is key—it infuses the oil with that gorgeous garlic flavor that forms the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring it to a simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching. As it heats, it’ll begin to thicken slightly, setting the stage for the cheese.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Cheese
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the cream. The sauce will become silkier and thicker, with that irresistible cheesy flavor making this pasta truly divine.
Step 5: Season to Perfection
Now it’s time to add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Season carefully—parmesan already brings saltiness—so you want to balance the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, coating each piece generously with the creamy garlic sauce. Mix everything together gently but thoroughly so every bite delivers that velvety goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Not only does this add beautiful color, but it also introduces a fresh, slightly peppery note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Serve immediately while it’s warm and heavenly.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick or a few shavings of extra Parmesan. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving can add an extra layer of richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. For something heartier, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement the dish nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a garnish of microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch. You might also layer it with sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken strips to turn it into a complete meal with added textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but a quick stir or splash of cream before reheating can bring it back to that perfect consistency.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for creamy pasta dishes since sauces can sometimes separate. However, if you do freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a little cream, milk, or even broth can help loosen the sauce and recapture its original creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible for best results.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the creamy sauce, fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle also work wonderfully and offer slightly different textures and shapes that cling to the sauce beautifully.
Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or velvety. It’s a nice option if you want something a bit lighter but still flavorful.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy pancetta are delicious additions that complement the creamy garlic sauce while adding heartiness.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Cook the garlic over medium or medium-low heat and watch it closely. Garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter, so remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and golden.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can cook the pasta and sauce separately and reheat them together just before serving. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s ideal to serve it freshly made.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, satisfying, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time. If you haven’t tried making it yet, now’s the perfect time to bring this comforting, flavorful pasta into your meal rotation—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a deliciously rich and comforting dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta coated in a smooth, garlicky cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley garnish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain well and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less thick.
- You can add cooked chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.
- Make sure not to burn the garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Serve this dish immediately as the sauce may thicken upon standing.
