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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: Comfort Food Goals in 25 Minutes Let’s be real for a second—there are few things more satisfying than a hot bowl of creamy pasta. And if that pasta just so happens to be coated in a dreamy garlic cream sauce? Yeah, go ahead and cancel your dinner plans. You’re staying in tonight. This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta recipe is rich, garlicky, and unapologetically indulgent—basically, everything your comfort-food-loving soul craves. Whether you're cooking for yourself (no judgment, I do this often) or feeding a crowd, this dish always hits the spot. So grab your favorite wooden spoon, and let’s talk pasta. Why Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Is Always a Win Alright, so why does this recipe deserve a spot in your weeknight rotation? Simple: It’s ready in under 30 minutes You only need a handful of ingredients The flavor is out-of-this-world creamy and garlicky Seriously—this is the kind of pasta that makes you close your eyes mid-bite. Ever had that moment? This dish delivers it every single time. And don’t worry, you won’t need any weird ingredients or fancy kitchen tools. Just solid pantry staples and a craving for carbs. Let’s go. The Ingredients: Simple, Classic, No Surprises You probably already have most of this in your kitchen. Here's what you’ll need: 12 oz penne pasta 2 tablespoons butter 6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, six. Trust me.) 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred, but you do you) ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and black pepper, to taste Fresh parsley (for garnish, if you're feeling fancy) Optional but recommended: Red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Because let’s face it, creamy doesn’t have to mean boring. How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Like a Pro I’ve made this recipe probably a dozen different ways, and honestly, it’s pretty foolproof. But here’s the method that gets me perfect results every single time. 1. Boil That Pasta Cook penne in generously salted water until al dente. Don’t overcook it—nobody likes mushy pasta. Drain and set aside. (Pro tip: Save ½ cup of pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.) 2. Make the Garlic Cream Sauce Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant (your kitchen should smell amazing by now). Stir in flour to create a quick roux. Cook for 1 minute—this helps thicken the sauce without making it taste like paste. Slowly whisk in cream and milk. Keep whisking until smooth. 3. Cheese Me Up Stir in Parmesan cheese and whisk until it melts and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy 🔥. 4. Toss It All Together Add cooked penne to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If it feels too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water. 5. Plate and Impress Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley and more cheese (because... cheese). Enjoy with garlic bread or a simple salad if you're trying to convince yourself this is a balanced meal. 😅 Why This Sauce Slaps (And What Makes It Work) Ever wondered why garlic and cream make such a magical combo? Here’s why: Garlic brings depth and that irresistible aroma. When sautéed in butter, it transforms into something sweet and mellow—not the harsh garlic breath stuff, I promise. Heavy cream + milk gives you that luscious, velvety sauce without turning it into an Alfredo impersonator. Parmesan adds the umami kick and helps thicken things up without needing a brick of cream cheese (we’ve all seen those TikToks, lol). Bottom line? This sauce clings to the pasta like it was made for it. Because... well, it was. Let’s Talk Pasta Shapes (Yes, It Matters) Okay, so you’re probably wondering: Why penne? Great question. Here’s the deal: Penne has ridges and a tube shape that holds onto the sauce like a champ. You can sub with rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli if you're out of penne. Just avoid spaghetti—it doesn’t quite work with thick sauces like this. IMO, penne gives you the perfect bite: sauce inside, sauce outside, cheesy goodness everywhere. Add-Ins & Variations (AKA How to Flex on This Dish) This pasta is amazing on its own, but if you want to zhuzh it up, I got you: Protein Options: Grilled chicken (classic and filling) Shrimp (for that creamy seafood pasta vibe) Crispy bacon or pancetta (adds salty crunch—yes, please) Veggie Add-Ins: Spinach (wilts perfectly into the sauce) Mushrooms (adds umami and depth) Sun-dried tomatoes (a little tangy pop) Low-Carb Mod: Okay, it’s pasta, so let’s not pretend it’s diet food. But if you’re into low-carb life, try this with zucchini noodles or hearts of palm pasta. The sauce still slaps. Leftovers? Yes, and They’re Delicious This pasta reheats surprisingly well. The sauce might thicken a bit, but just stir in a splash of milk or cream before microwaving. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days (if it even lasts that long). BTW—leftover garlic penne makes a killer next-day lunch. Throw some grilled chicken on top and boom, you’re fancy. Wine Pairing? Oh, You Fancy Now If you’re breaking out the wine, you’ve officially made it. Here’s what pairs well: Chardonnay – Creamy + buttery = match made in heaven. Pinot Grigio – Cuts through the richness with a crisp vibe. Sparkling water with lemon – Because hey, not everyone drinks alcohol. Respect. TL;DR – Your Quick Creamy Garlic Penne Rundown If you just scrolled all the way down for the summary (hey, no judgment), here’s the key info: Quick and easy recipe – done in under 30 mins Loaded with garlic, cream, and cheese Penne pasta = perfect sauce holder Add chicken, shrimp, or veggies to customize Stores well and reheats like a champ Basically, this is the weeknight pasta hero you didn’t know you needed. Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Crave This Forever Let’s not overcomplicate things. Sometimes, you just want a bowl of creamy garlic pasta, a fork, and a quiet moment to eat carbs in peace. This recipe gives you that—no drama, no 27-step processes, no wild ingredients. It’s easy, comforting, and genuinely satisfying. Like a warm hug from the inside. Or that one friend who always shows up with snacks. ❤️ So next time you’re staring blankly into your fridge wondering what to cook, just remember: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta exists, and your taste buds will thank you. Now go boil some water. You’ve got dinner to make. 🍝

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a quick and indulgent weeknight dinner made with simple ingredients. It's garlicky, cheesy, and ridiculously comforting.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4
Calories 510 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
  • Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook penne pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  • Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk until smooth.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and sauce thickens.
  • Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
  • Add cooked penne and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and more cheese if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, best-flavored sauce.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or spinach for protein or extra flavor.
Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Can be made vegetarian by skipping meat add-ins.

Nutrition

Calories: 510kcalProtein: 15gFat: 30gSugar: 4g
Keyword comfort food, creamy garlic penne pasta, easy pasta recipe
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