Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

If you love pasta that’s rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor, you’re going to adore this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe. It’s one of my all-time favorites because it’s simple to make, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and delivers that luscious, silky sauce every time. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or craving a cozy meal, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and I can’t wait to share every step with you!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to make a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the penne pasta. I always recommend fresh garlic for that punch of flavor, and don’t skip the Parmesan cheese since it adds a lovely tang and richness.

• Penne pasta: I like penne because its tube shape traps the sauce wonderfully — but feel free to use rigatoni or rotini if that’s what you have.
• Butter: Adds a creamy base and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives the sauce its signature flavor, so don’t use garlic powder here.
• All-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce; make sure to cook it briefly so it loses its raw flour taste.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and a subtle savory flavor—if you want vegetarian, substitute with vegetable broth.
• Milk: I use whole milk for richness, but you can try 2% or even cream for an ultra-luxe sauce.
• Red pepper flakes: This little kick balances the creaminess; adjust according to your heat preference.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; I always suggest tasting and adjusting as you go.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens every bite.
• Parmesan cheese: Divided in the recipe—half in the sauce and half tossed with the pasta for that cheesy punch.

Variations

I love that this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe is so easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge or your mood. Play around with these ideas and make this recipe truly your own.

• Protein boost: I often toss in grilled chicken or cooked shrimp to make it a full meal—my family goes crazy for extra protein in this dish.
• Veggie upgrade: Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes adds great texture and nutrition.
• Dairy-free tweak: Swap butter for olive oil, use a plant-based milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan—you’ll still get creamy satisfaction.
• Extra garlic: When I’m craving big flavors, I double the garlic and add a little lemon zest for brightness.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Penne

Start by boiling the penne pasta in generously salted water according to the package instructions—usually about 10-12 minutes until al dente. Once drained, toss it with a teaspoon of olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together later. This little trick keeps everything silky and separate when you add the sauce.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor with Garlic Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add your minced garlic. Sauté it gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned—that burnt garlic taste can ruin the sauce, so keep an eye on it. This step creates the aromatic base that makes this dish shine.

Step 3: Create the Roux for a Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle in the flour and stir to combine, cooking for about another minute. This cooks out the raw flour taste and starts thickening our sauce. It should look a bit pasty—this is called a roux and is your secret to velvety sauce texture.

Step 4: Whisk in Broth and Milk

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, making sure to stir constantly so no lumps form. Add in the red pepper flakes, half of your Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and then season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking and stirring for 4-6 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Don’t rush this step—patience here means the sauce won’t be runny or bland!

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding the remaining Parmesan cheese. Stir well to coat every piece of penne with that garlicky creaminess. Serve immediately while it’s warm and inviting—your guests or family are going to rave about this one!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I personally adore finishing this pasta with extra chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a burst of color and cheesy goodness. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to lift the flavors even more—totally optional but game-changing.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complements the creamy sauce beautifully and helps soak up every last bit.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to wow guests, I like plating this pasta in individual shallow bowls and topping each serving with crispy pancetta or sautéed mushrooms. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds a fun crunch. For date nights, try serving the pasta inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or colorful bell peppers for festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover creamy garlic penne pasta in an airtight container in the fridge—make sure it’s cool before sealing to keep everything fresh. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or easy dinner.

Freezing

Freezing pasta with cream sauces can be tricky, but I’ve found that if you undercook the pasta slightly and freeze the sauce separately, you get better texture when reheated. Just thaw both in the fridge overnight, then combine and warm gently on the stove.

Reheating

To reheat, I add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta and gently warm it over low heat while stirring to revive the creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry the sauce out and create uneven heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe has become a household staple for me—it’s that go-to comfort dish that never disappoints. I love how easy and forgiving it is, and how it always tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did. You’re going to enjoy making it as much as eating it, so grab your garlic and butter, and let’s get cooking together!

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