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.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and pasta.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Creamy garlic pasta, penne pasta recipe, easy pasta dinner, Italian creamy sauce, Parmesan garlic pasta
