Name: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, velvety sauce with the comforting chew of pasta, then this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is your new go-to meal. Every bite melts with a luscious garlic-infused creaminess, elevated by freshly grated Parmesan cheese, making it an irresistible feast for both casual weeknights and special dinners. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this recipe brings simple ingredients together in a spectacular way that feels like pure indulgence.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this dreamy Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, you only need a handful of fundamentals that pack a flavorful punch. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the tender bite of perfectly cooked penne to the luxurious texture of the sauce enhanced by butter, cream, and Parmesan.

12 oz penne pasta: Choose penne for its ridges and hollow shape, which hold on to all that creamy sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky richness and helps create the base for the sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic imparts a bold, aromatic flavor that’s the heart of this dish.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency without any grit.
2 cups whole milk: Provides a smooth, mild base that blends seamlessly with the cream.
1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the sauce to ultimate richness and smoothness.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty depth that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by boiling your penne pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—firm yet tender with a little bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside; this will be coated with your creamy garlic sauce shortly.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté it just until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to let it burn. This step is essential as it releases that signature garlic aroma that infuses the entire dish.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Add the flour to the garlic and butter mixture and whisk continuously for about one minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a golden base that will thicken your sauce when the liquids are added.

Step 4: Add Milk and Cream

Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once smooth, stir in the heavy cream. Lower the heat and let this gently simmer until it thickens into a luscious, velvety sauce.

Step 5: Incorporate Parmesan and Season

Now it’s time to add the grated Parmesan cheese into your creamy mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and blends completely, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This step adds richness and that signature salty kick.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, toss your cooked penne into the sauce, coating each piece thoroughly. Let it warm together for a minute or two so the flavors meld and the pasta absorbs a bit of the garlic creamy goodness.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Garnishes

To really make your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta pop, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a bright, herbal contrast. A dash of extra Parmesan cheese or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds beautiful visual appeal and a touch more flavor kick.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that balance the richness. Think crisp green salads with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in wide shallow bowls to showcase the sauce enveloping every piece. For a fun twist, add grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes on top. A drizzle of truffle oil right before serving takes this comfort classic to next-level gourmet status.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the sauce from thickening too much, stir in a splash of milk before reheating.

Freezing

While freezing pasta dishes with cream sauce is a bit tricky because the texture can change, you can freeze this dish for up to one month if stored properly. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some room at the top for expansion.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as it warms, stirring often to keep everything smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the sauce, other shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work well too and offer a nice variation in texture.

Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Another option is to use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist, though the flavor will differ.

How can I make it vegan?

To make this dish vegan, use plant-based butter and cream alternatives, plus a vegan Parmesan-style cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Can I add protein to the pasta?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms are fantastic additions that turn this into a more substantial meal without overpowering the creamy garlic flavors.

What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from separating?

Maintain medium to low heat while cooking the sauce and avoid boiling after adding cream and cheese. Stirring constantly and gradually heating will keep the sauce smooth and luscious.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta truly feels like a warm hug on a plate with every forkful. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet special enough to impress anyone who tastes it. I can’t wait for you to dive into this recipe and make it one of your favorites too—it’s the kind of comfort food that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta recipe features perfectly cooked penne pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce made from butter, fresh garlic, flour, whole milk, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and indulgent dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz penne pasta

Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and slightly golden, about 1-2 minutes.
Add Flour: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly until the mixture forms a golden roux.
Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Incorporate Cheese and Season: Lower the heat and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy garlic sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.