A large bowl of pasta has a very reassuring quality, doesn’t it? And Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is my favorite comfort food. This dish feels very homemade but is the height of decadence. I recall making it for the first time because I wanted to make something easy but tasty to impress a close friend who was coming to visit. My kitchen smelled irresistibly of the rich creaminess and fragrant garlic. The thought of that evening brings a smile to my face because it was full of good wine, laughter, and the most delicious pasta twirl around our forks!
The versatility of this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta recipe is what I adore most about it. You can load it up with sautéed vegetables or add protein like shrimp or chicken. It’s the kind of dish that works well for a get-together with friends or a comfortable dinner at home. It’s also a weeknight favorite because it’s one of those recipes that you can make in less than 30 minutes! Now put on your apron and let’s get started on creating this dreamy, creamy pasta.
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: What Is It?
Let’s examine the components that contribute to this dish’s deliciousness! Every ingredient contributes to the reassuring taste I long for when I need a little culinary support.
Penne Pasta: The main attraction! Penne’s tubular shape allows it to retain the sauce beautifully, giving it the ideal bite. Because Barilla pasta cooks up perfectly al dente and has a great texture, I usually use it.
Heavy Cream: This is the source of the creaminess. The sauce’s rich flavor and opulent texture come from the heavy cream. Although I must admit that nothing compares to the richness of heavy cream, you can use half and half or a non-dairy cream if you want to lighten it up a bit.
Garlic: Oh, how wonderful garlic is! The addition of freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a rich, aromatic depth. I usually use about 4 cloves, but you can use more or less depending on how much garlic you like!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh Parmesan cheese gives our sauce the perfect thickness while also adding flavor. Choose the real cheese whenever possible because it’s so much better than the pre-grated variety.
Butter: A few tablespoons of butter give the sauce an additional layer of depth and complexity. It also aids in perfectly golden garlic sautéing.
Salt and pepper: An easy way to bring out all the flavors! For cooking, I suggest using kosher salt because it’s simple to accurately season and sprinkle.
Parsley: Fresh parsley gives the dish a bright splash of color and a touch of freshness. For maximum effect, simply chop it finely before adding it on top.
Can You Eat Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
Let’s now discuss this creamy treat’s health benefits. It can’t be all sunshine and rainbows, after all, it’s pasta.
Penne Pasta: Although pasta is a fantastic source of energy-boosting carbohydrates, it can be a little high in them. Whole grain or gluten-free alternatives can offer a comparable texture and taste if you’re watching your carb intake.
Although heavy cream adds a wonderful creaminess, it is also very calorie-dense and fattening. Consider substituting Greek yogurt with a small amount of milk if you’re searching for a lighter option!
Garlic: The good news is that garlic has health advantages in addition to being delicious! It has been connected to better heart health and contains antioxidants.
Parmesan Cheese: Although delicious, cheese can be heavy in fat and sodium. Here, moderation is essential! You can manage the quantity and still get that cheesy taste by using freshly grated cheese.
All things considered, this dish is a delightful treat to occasionally savor, particularly if you’re craving comfort food after a demanding day. Nevertheless, adding some vegetables or protein can help to balance the dish and make it more well-rounded.
List of Ingredients
To make this creamy dream, you’ll need the following ingredients! This recipe makes enough for four people, making it ideal for a small get-together or weekly meal preparation.
Twelve ounces of penne pasta, two tablespoons of butter, and four minced garlic cloves
One cup of heavy cream
One cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To taste, add salt and pepper. Add two tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley.
How Can Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Be Prepared?
The speed at which this comes together will astound you! You will impress both yourself and anyone fortunate enough to share with you if you simply follow these easy steps.
To prepare the pasta, first bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. After adding the penne pasta, cook it as directed on the package until it is al dente, which should take 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving approximately 1 cup of the water.
2. **Sauté the Garlic**: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for one to two minutes, or until fragrant and golden. Garlic can become bitter if it is burned.
3. **Create the Sauce**: Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream, stirring continuously for 2 to 3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken a bit.
4. **Add Cheese**: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually until it melts and the sauce smoothes out and becomes creamy. Use some of the pasta water that was set aside to thin out the sauce if it seems too thick.
5. **Combine**: Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the drained penne pasta in the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Garnish and Serve**: Before serving, take off the heat and scatter the chopped parsley on top. For good measure, you can also top with more Parmesan cheese!
Don’t Forget These Extra Pointers for the Ideal Pasta!
Along the way, I’ve picked up some tips to improve this dish even further! These are a few of my favorites:
The pasta should still have a little bite to it after cooking it al dente. It helps keep the pasta from getting mushy in the sauce in addition to improving texture.
– **Don’t Skip the Garlic**: This recipe requires fresh garlic. Garlic powder can be used sparingly, but the fresh garlic really makes the dish.
**Nutty Twist**: Do you want to give it more nuance? Just after the garlic is sautéed, add a splash of white wine. Add the cream after a minute of simmering. It adds a delightful complexity!
– **More Veggies, Please** To add color and nutrients to your pasta, try adding grilled zucchini, sautéed spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s a good way to sneak in some greens!
– **Protein Power**: For an added protein boost, add some grilled shrimp or chicken. Just cook it separately and stir it in at the end!
– **Leftover Luxe**: This pasta is excellent for microwave reheating. To make the sauce taste almost as good as fresh, simply drizzle it with a little more cream or pasta water.
As eager as I am to prepare this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, I hope you are too! It’s the kind of food that brings people together, making them smile and feel full. Nothing compares to enjoying a hearty meal with loved ones.
Therefore, this recipe is sure to be a hit whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself to a relaxing evening at home. Give it a try, and remember to let me know what you think! Please let me know how it worked out and whether you created any entertaining modifications. Have fun in the kitchen!
