Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a comforting dish that combines al dente penne coated in a velvety garlic cream sauce, finished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this pasta will impress even the most discerning palates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Cook the penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add penne, and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving some pasta water.
- 2. Sauté the garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 3. Make the sauce: Add heavy cream to the skillet, let it simmer for 3 minutes, then stir in half of the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- 4. Combine: Add drained penne to the sauce, tossing everything together. If needed, add reserved pasta water for extra creaminess.
- 5. Season & serve: Season with salt and pepper, add fresh basil before serving, and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes. - Substitute penne with fettuccine or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. - To make vegetarian-friendly, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.