Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ¾ cup beef broth; ¾ cup milk; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; ½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided

Easy Creamy Garlic Penne is more than just a weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a dish that consistently delivers pure comfort and satisfaction. We all crave those meals that are both incredibly delicious and remarkably simple to prepare, and this pasta masterpiece absolutely nails it. What makes this easy creamy garlic penne so universally beloved? It’s the perfect harmony of textures and flavors: the tender bite of al dente penne pasta swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce that’s bursting with the pungent, aromatic warmth of fresh garlic. It’s the kind of dish that makes even the most reluctant cook feel like a gourmet chef, proving that exceptional flavor doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a pantry full of obscure ingredients. Get ready to discover why this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a delightful and stress-free meal.

Ingredients:

8 oz penne pasta
3 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¾ cup chicken broth
¾ cup milk
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
½ cup Parmesan cheese, divided

Cooking the Penne

Boil the Water

Begin extractgin extract bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. The salt is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out, so don’t be shy! You’ll want to use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt for every gallon of water. This will ensure your penne is flavorful even before you add the sauce. Once the water is at a vigorous boil, carefully add the 8 oz of penne pasta. Stir the pasta immediately to prevent it from sticking together.

Cook to Al Dente

Cook the penne according to the package directions, typically around 9-11 minutes. We’re aiming for “al dente,” which means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy, and that’s not ideal for a creamy sauce. About a minute before the pasta is done, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This magical liquid is incredibly useful for adjusting the consistency of your sauce later on. Once cooked, drain the penne thoroughly in a colander, but do not rinse it. The residual starch on the pasta will help the sauce cling better.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Sauté the Garlic

While your pasta is cooking, or just after you’ve drained it, you can start on the sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter has melted and is shimmering, add the 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic can turn bitter, so keep a close eye on it. This step infuses the butter with that wonderful garlic flavor that’s essential for our Easy Creamy Garlic Penne.

Create the Roux and Add Liquids

Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic and butter. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This mixture, called a roux, will act as a thickener for our sauce. Slowly whisk in the ¾ cup of chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, stirgin extractg until it begins to thicken. Next, gradually whisk in the ¾ cup of milk. Continue to stir over medium-low heat until the sauce is smooth and coats the back of a spoon. This is where the creaminess starts to develop.

Season and Enrich the Sauce

Now it’s time to season our sauce. Add the ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese will add saltiness, so taste before adding too much salt. Stir in ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, making it even richer and more delicious. The sauce should be thick and luxurious at this point. If it seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Combining and Finishing

Add Pasta and Cheese

Add the drained penne pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat every piece evenly with the luscious sauce. Make sure all the penne is submerged and absorbing all that wonderful flavor.

Garnish and Serve

Finally, add the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese and the 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Toss everything together one last time. The heat from the pasta and sauce will melt the remaining cheese, and the fresh parsley will add a burst of color and herbaceousness. Serve your Easy Creamy Garlic Penne immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is perfectly creamy.

Conclusion:

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make our delicious Easy Creamy Garlic Penne! This recipe is a true weeknight savior, offering a rich and satisfying meal that comes together in a flash. The creamy sauce, infused with fragrant garlic and tender penne pasta, is incredibly versatile and sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Serve it hot, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that delectable sauce, or alongside a fresh green salad for a lighter option. Feel free to experiment with additions like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a medley of sautéed vegetables to customize your Easy Creamy Garlic Penne to your heart’s content. Don’t be afraid to adjust the garlic to your liking – more garlic is always a good idea in our book! We encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover just how simple and rewarding it is to create restaurant-quality pasta in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the Easy Creamy Garlic Penne is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce components separately and cook the pasta just before serving. The sauce might thicken upon cooling, so you may need to add a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating to achieve the desired consistency.

What kind of cream is best for this recipe?

Heavy cream or whipping cream will yield the richest and creamiest sauce for your Easy Creamy Garlic Penne. For a slightly lighter option, you could use half-and-half, but the sauce may not be as thick or decadent.