Welcome, my friend! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish: creamy garlic penne pasta. This comforting indulgence has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and every time I make it, I’m instantly transported back to cozy family dinners. I remember the first time I whipped it up for my friends; the smell of sautéed garlic filled the air, and I could see their eyes light up as they took their first bite. It’s creamy, rich, and oh-so-satisfying! Trust me, once you’ve tried this, it’ll become a go-to meal that warms both your heart and your belly.
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious creamy garlic penne pasta! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s not just satisfying but also bursting with flavor. You might already have most of these in your pantry!
How to Prepare *Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta a Comforting Indulgence*
Now let’s dive into the deliciousness of making this creamy garlic penne pasta! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be savoring every bite in no time.
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in the 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 11-13 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. I like to taste a piece just before draining to ensure it’s perfect! Once done, reserve a cup of pasta water (trust me, it’s a game-changer for the sauce!) and then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, toss in the 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic is a big no-no! Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce
Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring it into the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—don’t rush it! Once simmering, add in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to adjust the flavors to your liking!
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the best part! Toss the drained penne pasta into the sauce, making sure every piece is lovingly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up just right. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy every creamy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes
- Rich, creamy texture that’s utterly satisfying
- Garlic-infused flavor that elevates every bite
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions
- Comfort food that warms your heart
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
Tips for Success
To make this creamy garlic penne pasta truly your own, feel free to adjust the garlic to suit your taste—more for garlic lovers or less if you prefer a milder flavor. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal that’s hard to resist. And if you want a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the dish beautifully. Enjoy the process!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition for each serving of creamy garlic penne pasta: approximately 450 calories, 30g of fat (15g saturated), 12g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. Remember, this is just an estimate and can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine when you’re ready to serve. It’ll taste just as delicious!
Can I use a different pasta? Of course! While penne is fantastic, feel free to swap it for any pasta you have on hand, like fettuccine or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How can I make it healthier? For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even use a plant-based cream. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy goodness with fewer calories!
What should I serve with it? Pair this creamy garlic penne pasta with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s perfect for any occasion!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers of this creamy garlic penne pasta (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy texture. Stir until warmed through, and enjoy the comforting flavors all over again!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy garlic pasta recipe or this creamy garlic parmesan pasta.
Print
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: 4 Steps to Comforting Indulgence
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy garlic penne pasta is a comforting indulgence that brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked penne pasta in the sauce.
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Adjust garlic for desired flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Pair with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy garlic penne pasta, comforting indulgence
