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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter, then gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant and golden, about 60 seconds.
- Sprinkle flour into the garlic-butter mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux without burning, approximately 45-60 seconds.
- 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.
- Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each penne is evenly coated. Sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese on top and toss gently to distribute.
- 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