Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal

If you’re someone who craves creamy pasta dishes that pack a punch of flavor, look no further than Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. This dish combines the richness of garlic and creamy sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta to create a comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish that will impress your guests, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the ingredients that make this creamy pasta dish so irresistible.

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• Salt (for seasoning pasta water)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

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• Author: Maha Al-Sayed
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and creamy Garlic Penne Pasta dish with perfectly cooked pasta coated in a silky garlic sauce, topped with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley, offering a comforting, flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb penne pasta

• Salt (for seasoning pasta water)

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

• Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in flour to create a roux and cook for another minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

• Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Freshly grated Parmesan will give the best texture and flavor.

You can adjust the garlic amount depending on your preference.

Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional value.

If you prefer a spicier dish, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Pasta
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of the total recipe)
• Calories: Approximately 550-600 calories per serving (estimate)
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600-700mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, usually around 10 minutes. Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water for later, then drain the rest of the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once the garlic is ready, stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for another minute until the flour turns golden.

Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to ensure the sauce doesn’t clump. Then, add the heavy cream, stirring the mixture until it thickens. After a few minutes, reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has fully melted, and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked penne pasta back into the pot with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss the pasta gently, making sure the sauce coats every piece of pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

4. Serve and Garnish

Once your pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce, transfer it to serving plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, garlicky goodness.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

To make sure your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta comes out perfectly every time, here are some tips that will take your dish to the next level:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly, which can affect the texture of your sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan will give you a creamy, silky sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
• Adjust the garlic: If you love garlic (who doesn’t?), feel free to add a bit more for an extra punch of flavor. You can also roast the garlic first for a milder, sweeter taste.
• Add a little spice: If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick. It’s a simple way to elevate the flavor and add some excitement to the dish.
• Incorporate vegetables: To make the dish a bit healthier, try adding some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. These will not only add nutrition but also some extra flavor and texture.

Dietary Variations

Not everyone can enjoy the same ingredients, but don’t worry—this recipe is easily adaptable to suit a variety of dietary needs.

Vegan Version

To make this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta vegan-friendly, simply swap out the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter. Use a plant-based cream (such as coconut cream or almond milk) and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. For a more authentic flavor, you could also add some miso paste to the sauce for depth.

Gluten-Free Option

If you need a gluten-free version of this dish, simply use gluten-free penne pasta. Be sure to check that your chicken broth is gluten-free (many store-bought versions contain gluten), or use a homemade vegetable broth. For the roux, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Low-Calorie Adaptation

For those watching their calorie intake, you can replace the heavy cream with a lighter option like half-and-half or even a plant-based milk such as unsweetened almond milk. Using less cheese or opting for a reduced-fat version of Parmesan will also help lower the calorie count.

Halal-Friendly

Ensure that the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are halal-certified. You can also switch out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make the dish entirely plant-based if needed.

The Ultimate Comfort Meal

At the end of a busy day, few things can beat a warm, creamy plate of pasta. This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is just that—a comfort meal that hits the spot every time. It’s simple to make, yet so flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the whole family, this dish is sure to impress. So go ahead, treat yourself to a bowl of this creamy goodness—you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for creamy garlic pasta?

Yes, you can easily swap penne for other pasta types like fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.

How can I make creamy garlic penne pasta spicier?

For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in a dash of cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat level based on your preference for spice.

Can I make creamy garlic penne pasta ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat the sauce before adding the cooked pasta.

Can I freeze creamy garlic penne pasta?

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the sauce separately and combine it with fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.