Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta (Print Version)

Tender penne tossed in creamy garlic sauce brimming with Parmesan and subtle spices, ready in just 25 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 340 g penne pasta
02 - Water, for boiling
03 - Salt, for boiling

→ Creamy Garlic Sauce

04 - 30 g unsalted butter
05 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 240 ml heavy cream
07 - 120 ml whole milk
08 - 75 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
09 - 0.5 tsp fine salt
10 - 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
11 - 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
13 - 60 ml reserved pasta cooking water

→ Garnishing (Optional)

14 - Fresh parsley, chopped
15 - Extra Parmesan cheese, grated
16 - Black pepper, freshly ground

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne and cook until al dente, approximately 10–12 minutes. Reserve 60 ml of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set pasta aside.
02 - In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
03 - Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Season with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Stir well and allow to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
04 - Add the grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. If the sauce thickens excessively, add reserved pasta water in small amounts until reaching desired consistency.
05 - Add the drained penne to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the sauce. Allow the pasta to cook in the sauce for another 1–2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
06 - Remove from heat. Top with chopped fresh parsley, additional grated Parmesan, and a dash of freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in just twenty five minutes perfect for busy evenings
  • Uses simple pantry and fridge staples so you will not need a long shopping list
  • Ultra creamy yet not heavy because the sauce blends both cream and milk
  • Family friendly flavors that everyone will enjoy even picky eaters
  • You can dress it up for guests or keep it casual for a cozy solo dinner
02 -
  • Always grate Parmesan fresh for smoother melting and depth
  • Stir garlic continuously and never let it brown for the sweetest flavor
  • Reserve your pasta water right before draining to maximize starch and get a perfectly glossy sauce

Go Back