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
Scale
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.
