Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This delightful creamy garlic penne pasta recipe is the answer when you need something quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. It delivers a rich, velvety sauce coating perfectly cooked penne, creating a satisfying dish everyone will love. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal with incredible ease.
Why You’ll Love This Penne Pasta Recipe
This quick and satisfying pasta dish is a game-changer for busy parents and beginner cooks. It’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for any evening.
- Ready in 15 Minutes: Perfect for those rushed weeknights, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand already.
- Rich & Velvety: Enjoy a decadent, creamy sauce infused with savory garlic.
- Highly Customizable: Easily adapt this dish with your favorite proteins or vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will adore. This quick penne pasta recipe is a true family favorite.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients for the best creamy garlic penne pasta recipe that brings comfort and flavor to your table. This comforting pasta comes together with just a few core components, proving that delicious meals don’t need extensive shopping lists.
- 1 (16 oz) box penne pasta, or 1 (1 lb) box penne rigate, cooked as directed, drained and kept hot
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth or ¾ cup beef broth
- ¾ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons parsley flakes
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this creamy garlic penne pasta recipe to fit your preferences or what you have available.
- Pasta: Feel free to use any short pasta shape like rigatoni, ziti, or cavatappi if penne isn’t available.
- Fat: Margarine or olive oil works perfectly in place of butter for sautéing.
- Garlic: Adjust the quantity to your liking. For a milder flavor, use less, or use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for a quick substitute.
- Broth: Use vegetable broth to make this a vegetarian-friendly penne pasta dish.
- Milk: For an even richer sauce, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.
- Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and offers the best flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this simple penne pasta recipe. Just a few basics will get the job done efficiently.
- Large pot: For cooking the penne pasta to perfection.
- Medium saucepan: Essential for creating the creamy, delicious garlic sauce.
- Whisk: Key for making a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient proportions for the best results.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a truly delicious creamy garlic penne pasta recipe in no time. Our goal is to make baking simple for busy parents and beginners, and this recipe is proof of that mission. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together.
- Cook the Penne: First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente, meaning it’s tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the cooked penne pasta well and keep it hot while you prepare the sauce.
- Melt Butter & Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Browning can make the garlic bitter.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the saucepan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a whisk. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a roux, which is the base that will thicken your sauce.
- Gradually Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the ¾ cup of chicken or beef broth, followed by the ¾ cup of milk. Pouring gradually helps prevent lumps. Continue whisking frequently to incorporate the liquids smoothly into the roux.
- Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, continuing to stir frequently. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should be rich and creamy. This is a crucial part of our penne pasta recipes.
- Season & Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the 2 teaspoons of parsley flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Then, add the ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Melt Cheese: Continue to stir the sauce until the Parmesan cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the hot, drained penne pasta directly into the saucepan with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss the hot penne pasta thoroughly with the sauce until every piece is evenly coated.
- Serve Immediately: Your delicious creamy garlic penne pasta recipe is now ready! Serve it immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Penne
Mastering penne pasta recipes means knowing a few tricks to elevate your dish. These simple tips will ensure your creamy garlic penne is always a hit.
- Garlic Control: Adjust the garlic amount to suit your preference. For a stronger flavor, add an extra clove.
Understanding the science behind cooking pasta is crucial for achieving the perfect cooking pasta al dente texture.
- Al Dente is Key: Always cook pasta to al dente. This prevents mushiness and allows it to absorb the sauce better.
For the richest flavor in your pasta dishes, understanding the nuances of identifying authentic Parmesan cheese can make all the difference.
- Quality Cheese: Choose a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best depth of flavor. Freshly grated is always superior.
- Sauce Abundance: Double the sauce recipe if you love extra creaminess or are making a larger batch of penne pasta recipes.
- Fresh Herbs: Elevate flavor by using fresh chopped parsley or basil instead of dried flakes.
- Whisk Away Lumps: Constant whisking when adding flour and liquids prevents lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water. You can add a splash to the sauce if it becomes too thick when tossing, helping it cling beautifully to the penne.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This creamy garlic penne pasta recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for various meal occasions and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious pasta main as a satisfying main course on its own, or as a delightful side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of proteins. Try it alongside roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or hearty meatballs. For a complete meal, add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the incredible sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover creamy garlic penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. If the sauce appears a little dry or too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to its original creamy consistency. This helps revive the texture of your leftover penne pasta recipes.
Variations
Get creative and customize your creamy garlic penne to your heart’s content.
- Add Protein: Stir in cooked shredded chicken, sautéed shrimp, or browned Italian sausage for a more substantial meal.
- Boost with Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach (stir in at the end until wilted), frozen peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic. A dash of Italian seasoning also works wonders.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment by mixing in other cheeses like shredded mozzarella, nutty Gruyère, or tangy provolone for different flavor profiles.
- Dairy-Free Option: Easily make this penne pasta recipe dairy-free by using your favorite plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat) and dairy-free butter.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
This nutritional breakdown for our creamy garlic penne pasta is an estimate. It provides a general idea of the calories and macronutrients per serving, based on a 6-serving recipe. Please note that these values can vary depending on specific brands and ingredient choices.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Total Carbs | 45g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 12g |
Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, absolutely! The recipe calls for dried parsley flakes, which work wonderfully. If you prefer fresh, simply use a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley instead of the two teaspoons dried.
How can I prevent my sauce from becoming too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk, broth, or reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Do this slowly to avoid making it too thin.
What other types of pasta work well?
This creamy pasta dish is incredibly versatile! You can use any short pasta shape like rigatoni, rotini, farfalle (bowties), or ziti. The key is to choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed, before tossing with freshly cooked penne.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
While you can technically freeze the sauce, creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze and thaw perfectly. The sauce might separate slightly upon reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Conclusion
This simple creamy garlic penne pasta recipe offers incredible flavor and comfort without the fuss. It’s a testament to how quick and easy cooking can be, proving that delicious meals are achievable even on your busiest days. We encourage you to try this versatile dish and make it a staple in your meal rotation. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists and creations, sharing your delicious results with friends and family!