If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, look no further than Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. This dish is pure pasta bliss: perfectly cooked penne drenched in a lusciously smooth, garlicky cream sauce, finished with a flurry of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that feels decadently special, yet comes together in just half an hour. Every bite offers that irresistible combination of al dente pasta and velvety sauce, making it a go-to recipe for cozy evenings, family gatherings, or impressing last-minute guests.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta so spectacular is its short list of everyday ingredients, each playing a starring role in flavor and texture. Keep things simple and let these essentials shine—you’ll be amazed at how much depth and richness they bring to your table.

Penne pasta: Its tubular shape holds onto the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates the base for a silky sauce.
Olive oil: Balances the butter and helps sauté the garlic without burning it.
Garlic: The star aromatic, infusing the sauce with warm, savory notes.
All-purpose flour: Forms a roux that thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
Whole milk: Brings body and creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
Heavy cream: Ups the indulgence factor and gives the sauce its luscious, velvety texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds depth, umami, and a classic Italian flair.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a gentle heat in their creamy garlic penne pasta.
Fresh parsley: Brings a burst of color and a fresh, herby finish.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium heat. When the mixture is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from browning. You want the garlic to be fragrant and golden, not burnt, as this is what gives Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta its magical aroma.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour into the skillet, whisking continuously to form a smooth paste, or roux. Let it cook for about a minute—just enough to take away the raw flour taste. This step is crucial for a silky, lump-free sauce that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This is the heart of your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta—don’t rush it, and let the sauce reach that dreamy, velvety consistency.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and glossy. This is when the kitchen really starts to smell irresistible!

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne into the skillet, tossing gently to coat every piece with the creamy garlic sauce. Let it simmer together for a minute or two, so the flavors meld and the pasta absorbs some of the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will loosen it up perfectly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and scatter the chopped fresh parsley over the top. The vibrant green not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herby note that balances the richness of the sauce. Serve immediately while piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper takes Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta from homey to restaurant-worthy. For a bit of zing, add a touch more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of quality olive oil just before serving.

Side Dishes

This pasta is satisfying enough to shine on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted vegetables makes a truly memorable meal. The freshness of the salad or the crunch of garlic bread perfectly balances the creamy richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by serving Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in shallow bowls, topped with a tangle of fresh herbs and edible flowers. For a family-style feast, present it in a big, beautiful serving dish with tongs at the ready. Or, twirl individual portions into nests for a dinner party-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to three days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or easy dinners.

Freezing

While creamy pasta sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, you can still freeze this dish in a pinch. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Just know that the texture may be slightly less smooth after thawing, but a little extra milk or cream during reheating works wonders.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until creamy and hot. The microwave works, too—just use short bursts and stir in between to prevent the sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is classic for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or even shells will work beautifully. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for more whole milk, or even use half-and-half. The sauce will still be creamy, just a bit less rich. You can also add steamed veggies or grilled chicken to stretch the dish further without adding lots of extra calories.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta gluten free?

Definitely. Simply use your favorite gluten-free penne and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The sauce thickens beautifully with either alternative.

What proteins go best with this pasta?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon are wonderful additions to Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. For a vegetarian boost, add roasted mushrooms or steamed broccoli right before serving.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting lumpy?

Whisk the flour thoroughly with the butter and oil to form a smooth roux, and add your milk and cream slowly, whisking constantly. This ensures a silky sauce that clings perfectly to your penne.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof dish that delivers big on flavor and comfort, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is your answer. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress and is sure to become a favorite at your table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dreamy, garlicky pasta disappears!

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta recipe features tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious garlic-infused creamy sauce made from butter, olive oil, garlic, and a rich combination of whole milk and heavy cream. Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth, while fresh parsley provides a bright finish. Perfect as a comforting main dish or a satisfying side, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 ounces penne pasta

Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce Base: In a large skillet, melt the butter together with olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned, being careful to prevent burning.
Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic mixture and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. This helps cook out the raw flour taste and forms the base for the creamy sauce.
Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth without lumps. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, for 4–5 minutes or until the sauce thickens sufficiently.
Flavor the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Allow it to simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld together.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

For extra protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp when tossing the pasta with the sauce.
To make a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with additional whole milk.
This dish works well as both a hearty main course or a rich side dish alongside grilled meats or vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American