Description
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender penne tossed in a luscious garlic-infused parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients like butter, garlic, chicken broth, and milk to create a smooth, satisfying pasta experience with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes and freshness from parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 teaspoon oil (to prevent sticking)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour into the garlic butter and stir constantly, cooking for another minute to remove the raw flour taste and create a roux base for the sauce.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk to the roux. Stir in the red pepper flakes, half of the Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Sprinkle in the remaining Parmesan cheese and mix well. Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
- Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan before serving for visual appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
