Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta recipe. Discover a simple and delicious dinner option today!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz (454g) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 8 cloves garlic, minced (about 2½ tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water – this is your opportunity to season the pasta itself. Add the penne and cook until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package directions suggest. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it – that starchy exterior helps the sauce adhere beautifully.
- Step 2: Begin the Sauce Base While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add half the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly, so keep a close eye on it! Add the butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling it with the garlic-infused oil.
- Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly to incorporate it with the garlic-butter mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer (never a full boil) and reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining fresh garlic now for that two-layer flavor profile. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Step 4: Finish and Combine Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and incorporated. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently but thoroughly to coat each piece. If the sauce seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 5: Final Touches Remove from heat and add the lemon juice if using – this brightens the flavors beautifully. Fold in most of the chopped parsley, reserving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta should be glossy and perfectly coated, with a sauce that clings to each piece without pooling excessively in the pan.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg