Name: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy, feel-good meal, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta absolutely delivers. This dish is a rich, luscious blend of tender penne noodles drenched in a silky, garlicky Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or for someone special, the combination of pure comfort with bold garlic and cheese creates an irresistible pasta you’ll crave again and again. Plus, it comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the hero of any quick dinner plan.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this dish such a winner is its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. You don’t need a lot, but you want to choose each component with care for the best Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta result.

Penne Pasta: The sturdy tubes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, creating a satisfying bite every time.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic, laying the foundation for the velvety sauce.
Garlic: The real star, it infuses the whole dish with a warm, aromatic kick—freshly minced is best.
All-Purpose Flour: Just a bit thickens the sauce, giving it that luxurious creaminess you crave.
Whole Milk: The classic choice for a smooth, glossy base—use higher fat for even richer results.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty aroma and helps the sauce achieve its dreamy texture—freshly grated is a must for maximum melt.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and deepening all the flavors.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you like a gentle heat, just a pinch brings excitement to the creaminess.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to brighten each plate.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your penne pasta. Cook it according to package directions until just al dente—it should still have a little bite, since it’ll cook a touch more in the sauce. Drain well and set aside; a tiny slick of olive oil can help prevent sticking while you move to the next step.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute, just until it’s fragrant and barely golden. The aroma will be incredible and is the first hint of the flavor-packed sauce that’s about to happen.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the bubbling butter and garlic. Whisk constantly for another 1–2 minutes so the flour cooks—it’ll form a paste (the roux), which is the secret to a sauce that’s thick but never lumpy or grainy.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking to ensure no lumps form. Keep whisking as the sauce gently thickens, which takes about 3–4 minutes. You’ll see it transform from milky to perfectly creamy right before your eyes.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Turn the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth—this is the magic moment when the sauce gets its signature shine and flavor.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked penne directly into the skillet, tossing to coat every piece in the creamy garlic sauce. Let it heat through for a minute or two so the flavors really come together, then get ready to serve the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta piping hot.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only makes the plate look gorgeous, but it also adds a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. For extra flair, try a dusting of grated Parmesan or a few more red pepper flakes on top.

Side Dishes

This pasta plays well with almost anything! A crisp green salad or a platter of roasted veggies will lighten the meal, while garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce. If you want more protein, pair it with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta straight from the skillet for a rustic feel, or spoon it into individual bowls with a swirl of sauce on top for something a bit more elegant. For dinner parties, try serving it in a large, shallow platter garnished with plenty of parsley and Parmesan for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to three days—just know the sauce will thicken as it sits, but it’ll be just as delicious when warmed up.

Freezing

While the pasta and sauce do freeze, the texture can change slightly as the dairy may separate. If you do freeze it, be sure it’s fully cooled, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and stir gently when reheating to bring the sauce back together.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta gently on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and revive its silky texture, stirring often to prevent sticking. The microwave also works, just pause to stir once or twice for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely. While penne’s tubular shape captures the sauce beautifully, other pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work. Just make sure to cook them until al dente for the best texture in your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta variation.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The sauce will still be creamy and satisfying, and no one will miss the gluten.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes are delicious ways to add color and nutrition to Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. Just stir them in after the sauce, before combining with the pasta.

Can I make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta with half-and-half or heavy cream?

Yes! For an even richer sauce, heavy cream is a wonderful substitute. If you prefer something lighter, half-and-half is a great option—you may just find it makes the sauce a little thinner, so cook a few extra minutes to thicken if needed.

What protein can I add for a more filling meal?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon make fantastic additions to Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. Simply cook your protein ahead of time and stir it into the sauce before serving so it can soak up all the garlicky goodness.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta a try—it’s simple yet indulgent, with all the cozy flavors that make pasta night so special. However you serve it, this dish is bound to become a household favorite you’ll return to any time you want pure comfort in a bowl.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. A rich and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Penne Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add flour and whisk to form a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking, then cook until thickened.
Finish the Dish: Stir in Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat, and cook until heated through. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.
Substitute heavy cream for a richer sauce or use half-and-half for a lighter version.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American