Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Name: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 250 g penne pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 1/4 tsp salt (to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

30 min 4 servings Easy

All Recipes

Indulge in this rich and creamy garlic penne pasta, perfect for a quick yet satisfying dinner.

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Garlic penne pasta is a beloved classic, offering a comforting embrace of creamy sauce and aromatic garlic. This version combines simplicity with rich flavours, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or an impromptu dinner with friends. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the ease with which it comes together. By focusing on high-quality ingredients like fresh garlic and Parmesan, you can elevate this humble pasta dish to a restaurant-quality meal. Ideal for anyone who enjoys bold flavours without spending hours in the kitchen, this garlic penne pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Pro tip: Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce.

Heat the olive oil

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Sauté the garlic

Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Pro tip: Lower the heat if the garlic starts to brown quickly.

Add the cream

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Incorporate the cheese

Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper.

Pro tip: Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine pasta and sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Pro tip: Serve immediately for the best texture.

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Tips & Tricks

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavour.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Cook pasta al dente for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in garlic penne pasta?

A serving of creamy garlic penne pasta contains approximately 550 calories.

Can I make garlic penne pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead. Store pasta and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

What can I serve with garlic penne pasta?

Serve with a green salad, steamed vegetables, or a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely, you can substitute penne with other types like fusilli or rigatoni.

How do I adjust the sauce consistency?

Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if it's too thick while tossing with pasta.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy garlic penne pasta with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, pairs beautifully with the garlic and cheese. If you're making this ahead, store the pasta and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy texture.