Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

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Silky, rich, and bubbling with cheese, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is your ultimate comfort food fix. With its luscious sauce made from freshly minced garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese clinging to every curve of al dente penne, this dish is a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or impressing dinner guests, this pasta offers a restaurant-quality experience right from your kitchen.

What makes this pasta truly addictive is the way each ingredient plays its part—the garlic gently sautéed to golden perfection, the cream simmered to just the right consistency, and the sharp Parmesan that melts into gooey, salty goodness. It’s a classic, quick-to-make meal that never fails to satisfy.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

Penne pasta is the star here for a reason. Its hollow, ridged shape captures all that creamy garlic sauce, delivering full flavor with every bite. You can substitute with rigatoni or ziti, but penne holds the texture and sauce just right.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

• Penne Pasta – The base of the dish, this tubular pasta holds sauce beautifully and provides a satisfying bite.
• Fresh Garlic – Minced and sautéed until golden, it infuses the dish with rich, aromatic flavor.
• Heavy Cream – Creates the smooth, velvety sauce that defines the dish.
• Butter – Used to sauté the garlic and add a rich depth of flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated for the best melt and flavor, it thickens the sauce and adds savory notes.
• Salt and Black Pepper – To season and balance the creaminess.
• Fresh Parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of color and freshness.

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How To Make the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until it starts to thicken.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to marry.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Serving and Storing Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet. The sauce is at its creamiest and most indulgent when hot. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.

Grilled Chicken

Adds a lean protein that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy base.

Caesar Salad

The crispness and tang of Caesar salad balance the pasta’s richness.

Roasted Vegetables

Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for added color and nutrition.

Shrimp Scampi

Add a seafood twist with lemony, garlicky shrimp.

Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella bring lightness to your plate.

Crispy Bacon

Crumble some bacon on top for smoky crunch.

Sautéed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms give an umami depth that’s divine with cream sauce.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, you’ll definitely enjoy exploring these other pasta-packed favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
• Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in some mushrooms or spice it up with red pepper flakes? I’d love to hear your twists.

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