Luscious Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe: Family Favorite

Comfort arrives in a steaming plate of creamy garlic penne pasta that promises pure culinary bliss.

Weeknight dinners demand something spectacular and satisfying.

Silky pasta coils embrace a luxurious sauce that whispers of rich, aromatic garlic.

Herbs dance through each twirled forkful, creating layers of delectable flavor.

Robust parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that makes this dish irresistible.

Every bite transports you to an Italian kitchen where simplicity meets elegance.

Prepare to savor a meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Key Qualities

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up this creamy garlic penne in just a few simple steps, perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich, garlicky flavor and cheesy goodness, this pasta dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Customize this recipe by adding protein like chicken or shrimp, or keep it vegetarian for a flexible meal that adapts to your pantry and preferences.
• Minimal Ingredient Brilliance: Uses common kitchen staples like butter, flour, milk, and parmesan cheese, ensuring you can create a restaurant-worthy meal without a special grocery trip.

What’s Needed for Garlic Penne Pasta

• Penne Pasta: A classic tubular pasta that holds sauce wonderfully and creates a satisfying texture.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that is essential to the dish's character.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, velvety consistency.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a more complex sauce base.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture and provides a smooth, rich background.
• Parmesan Cheese: Brings a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and adds a mild spicy kick to the dish.
• Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance and balance the other flavors in the dish.
• Cooking Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking and helps with initial cooking process.

Garlic Penne Pasta Cooking Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil.

Toss in the penne pasta and cook until it reaches a perfectly tender texture.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and gently toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Craft Aromatic Base

Heat a spacious skillet over medium flame.

Drop in butter and let it melt smoothly.

Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, releasing its delightful aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Create Silky Roux

Sprinkle flour into the buttery garlic mixture.

Stir continuously and cook for about a minute, allowing the flour to blend seamlessly and eliminate any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Red pepper flakes
• Half of the parmesan cheese
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk everything together until the sauce transforms into a creamy, smooth consistency.

Let it simmer and thicken, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne into the velvety sauce.

Gently toss until every pasta piece is beautifully coated.

Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese on top.

Serve immediately while piping hot, ready to delight taste buds.

Tips for Extra Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

• Add a teaspoon of olive oil after draining to keep pasta noodles separated and prevent clumping.
• Sauté garlic gently to release its aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste.
• Whisk continuously while adding broth and milk to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats pasta perfectly.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for richer, more intense taste compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Enjoy the pasta hot to experience the best texture and creamiest sauce consistency.

Garlic Pasta Variations to Savor

• Vegan Creamy Garlic Penne: Replace butter with olive oil, chicken broth with vegetable broth, and milk with unsweetened almond milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Garlic Pasta: Swap regular penne with gluten-free penne pasta. Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend instead of wheat flour for the roux.
• Spicy Seafood Penne: Add cooked shrimp or crab meat to the sauce. Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat. Garnish with fresh chives for added flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Pasta: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and crumbled feta cheese. Replace parsley with a mix of fresh oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Serving Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

• Pasta Party Platter: Create a vibrant spread with colorful roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes arranged around the creamy penne.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the pasta with grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform the dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
• Fresh Herb Finesse: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley, basil, or chives on top for a burst of fresh flavor and beautiful green garnish that adds visual appeal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy garlic sauce and enhance the dining experience.

Storing Garlic Penne Pasta Easily

• Store any remaining creamy garlic penne pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• When ready to enjoy again, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore the creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• The cream-based sauce might separate when stored, so stir well while reheating to bring back its smooth consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them for a less spicy version, or increase for more kick.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based butter. The recipe will remain creamy and delicious.

• How can I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk continuously when adding flour and liquids, and use low to medium heat. Stir constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Garlic lovers rejoice with this irresistible Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta that delivers rich, comforting flavors in every forkful. Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs elevate this simple yet luxurious dish, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta

Sauce Base:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Sauce Liquids & Seasonings:

• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter, then gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 60 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour into the garlic-butter mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux without burning, approximately 45-60 seconds.
4. Gradually whisk chicken broth and milk into the roux, creating a creamy base. Incorporate red pepper flakes, half the parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, around 3-4 minutes.
5. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each penne is evenly coated. Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese on top and toss gently to distribute.
6. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve directly to maintain optimal temperature and sauce consistency.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Sticking Toss cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil to keep noodles from clumping together, ensuring each strand remains separate and sauce-ready.
• Maximize Garlic Flavor Crush garlic cloves slightly before mincing to release more intense aromatics, elevating the overall depth of the sauce’s flavor profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use plant-based milk to create a delicious vegetarian version that doesn’t compromise on creamy texture.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency Whisk continuously while adding liquid to prevent lumps, creating a smooth and silky sauce that coats pasta evenly without being too thick or thin.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg