Description
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the ultimate easy dinner recipe that wraps comfort, flavor, and speed all in one skillet. With its rich garlic-infused cream sauce, perfectly cooked penne, and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, this dish is everything a creamy pasta lover dreams of. Whether you’re searching for quick dinner ideas, a cozy lunch, or a satisfying vegetarian meal, this recipe is a foolproof go-to. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — a perfect choice for food ideas that feel both indulgent and effortless.
Ingredients
8 oz penne pasta
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
3. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer. Let cook for 3–4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly and let simmer for 1–2 more minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley if using, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
For extra richness, add a splash of pasta water before tossing the pasta in the sauce.
Stir in grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms to turn this into a complete one-dish meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 115mg