Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This creamy garlic penne pasta recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Imagine tender penne coated in a rich, velvety garlic sauce, ready to impress your family or satisfy your cravings in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for busy evenings when you need something quick, comforting, and utterly delicious. Get ready to master this simple yet satisfying dish!
Why You’ll Love This Penne Pasta Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with this delightful penne pasta recipe for many reasons. It truly makes baking simple for busy parents and beginners!
- Quick & Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 5 minutes, dinner is on the table in a flash.
- Rich & Creamy: The sauce is wonderfully decadent, infused with aromatic garlic and a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a standalone main course or as a hearty, flavorful side dish alongside your favorite proteins.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the basic pantry staples needed for this dish already on hand.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the comforting flavors of this classic, creamy pasta.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite meal. Every component plays a role in building the incredible flavor of this creamy garlic penne.
- 1 (1 lb) box penne pasta or penne rigate, cooked as directed, drained and kept hot
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup chicken broth or beef broth
- 3/4 cup milk (any fat percentage)
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this delicious penne pasta recipe to fit your pantry and preferences. You can easily adapt these ingredients without sacrificing flavor.
You can use other short pasta shapes like rotini, ziti, or cavatappi if penne isn’t available. For the fat, either unsalted butter or a plant-based margarine works perfectly to start your sauce. If using fresh garlic, two small cloves are equivalent to about one teaspoon of minced jarred garlic or half a teaspoon of garlic powder. Vegetable broth makes a great vegetarian alternative to chicken or beef broth. For the creamiest sauce, opt for whole milk or even half & half, but any milk fat percentage will work. While dried parsley flakes are convenient, three tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor. For the cheese, experiment with Pecorino Romano or even Asiago for a different savory note.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to whip up this amazing penne pasta recipe. These basic kitchen items ensure smooth preparation.
- Large Pot: Essential for boiling your penne pasta until perfectly al dente.
- Medium Saucepan: Used to create the delicious creamy garlic sauce.
- Whisk: Helps ensure your sauce stays smooth and lump-free.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately portioning all your ingredients.
- Colander: To efficiently drain the cooked pasta.
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create a flawless and delicious creamy garlic penne dish. This method ensures a perfectly cooked pasta and a rich, velvety sauce every time.
- Boil the Penne Pasta: First, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the full box of penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until it is al dente, meaning it’s tender but still has a slight bite. For perfect texture every time, mastering the technique of cooking pasta al dente is essential. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set it aside, keeping it warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has fully melted and is shimmering, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for just about one minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can taste bitter; you want it fragrant and softened.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan with the butter and garlic. Continue to cook for one minute, stirring constantly with your whisk or a wooden spoon. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a roux, which will thicken your sauce. To understand the fundamental role of this thickening agent in classic sauces, delve into a detailed explanation of a roux. The mixture will become a thick paste.
- Whisk in Liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken or beef broth, followed by the milk, into the roux. Whisk continuously as you add the liquids to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking and cooking over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, and then reduce the heat slightly. Stir frequently as the sauce cooks and thickens; this should take a few minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the dried parsley flakes, season generously with salt, and add freshly ground black pepper to taste. Next, incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it is fully melted and smoothly integrated into the creamy sauce.
- Combine and Serve: Add the hot, drained penne pasta directly into the saucepan with the prepared creamy garlic sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly until all the pasta is evenly coated with the rich, flavorful sauce. Serve this delicious penne pasta recipe immediately while it’s warm and fresh.
Pro Tips for Perfect Penne Pasta
Achieving restaurant-quality creamy garlic penne is simple with a few smart techniques. These pro tips ensure your dish is perfect every time.
- Smooth Sauce: Always whisk continuously when adding liquids to your roux. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky-smooth sauce. If lumps form, a fine-mesh sieve can help.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the pasta. Adjust salt, pepper, and garlic to your personal preference for the best flavor balance.
- Keep Pasta Warm: Drain your pasta right before adding it to the sauce. Tossing hot pasta with hot sauce helps the sauce cling better and prevents it from becoming clumpy.
- Pasta Water Magic: If your sauce seems too thick, reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining. A tablespoon or two can loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
- Quality Cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference in flavor and melt. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make it melt less smoothly.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This versatile penne pasta recipe is fantastic on its own, but it also shines with creative additions. Make it your own with these delicious ideas.
Serve this creamy garlic penne as a satisfying main course, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad and some warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce. For a heartier meal, easily transform it by adding cooked protein; grilled chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or even crumbled Italian sausage mix in beautifully. Introduce a burst of freshness and nutrients by stirring in cooked vegetables like fresh spinach (which will wilt into the hot pasta), sliced mushrooms, thawed frozen peas, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper will add a pleasant spicy kick. For an elegant touch, garnish the finished dish with fresh basil leaves or finely chopped chives just before serving.
Nutrition Information
This creamy garlic penne dish provides a comforting and energy-rich meal. Please remember that nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.
A typical serving size is approximately 1.5 cups.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbs | 55g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Total Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 18g |
Disclaimer: These values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used. Please calculate based on your specific products for precise information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions about making this delightful penne pasta recipe. These answers will help you create a perfect dish.
Can I use dried garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic?
Absolutely! Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every two cloves of fresh garlic, adding it to the flour step of the roux.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the butter with plant-based margarine, and use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or soy milk, along with a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
Is a specific type of saucepan required for the sauce?
A medium-sized saucepan with a heavy bottom works best, as it helps distribute heat evenly and prevents the sauce from scorching.
How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I add other herbs or spices to this penne pasta recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Dried Italian seasoning, a pinch of nutmeg, or fresh thyme can all add wonderful depth of flavor.
Conclusion
You now have all the tools and knowledge to create a truly irresistible creamy garlic penne pasta recipe in your own kitchen. This dish proves that simple ingredients can lead to extraordinary flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Give this delightful penne pasta recipe a try tonight and discover just how easy it is to make a satisfying, flavorful meal. Don’t forget to share your delicious creations and any personal twists you add with us!