Name: Easy Creamy Garlic Penne - Quick Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 3/4 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, divided

Easy Creamy Garlic Penne, a dish that whispers comfort and sings with flavor, is your new weeknight savior. Have you ever craved a meal that feels both incredibly indulgent and shockingly simple to prepare? This is it. We’re talking about transforming everyday ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-quality pasta dish without the fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a culinary wizard, even if your kitchen skills are just budding. What is it about this particular dish that captures hearts? Perhaps it’s the velvety smooth sauce, kissed with the potent aroma of roasted garlic, that clings perfectly to every single piece of al dente penne. Or maybe it’s the sheer speed at which this magic happens – truly, this Easy Creamy Garlic Penne is designed for those busy evenings when deliciousness needs to be on the table in a flash. It’s the perfect balance of richness and zest, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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

First things first, let’s get our pasta cooking. Grab a large pot and fill it generously with water. You want enough water so the penne has plenty of room to move around and cook evenly. Add a good pinch of salt to the water – this is your first chance to season the pasta itself, and it makes a world of difference. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling vigorously, carefully add your 8 oz of penne pasta. Stir the pasta immediately after adding it to prevent it from sticking together at the bottom of the pot. Cook the penne according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, so keep an eye on it! While the pasta is cooking, you can start preparing the sauce, as it comes together quite quickly.

Building the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Now, let’s get started on the star of the show: the creamy garlic sauce. In a large skillet or a wide, shallow pan, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and starts to shimmer, add your 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté the garlic for about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the flavor of your sauce. You’re looking for the garlic to become fragrant and just lightly golden. This step infuses the butter with that wonderful garlic flavor that will form the base of our sauce. Next, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the sautéed garlic and butter. Whisk this mixture together for about 1 minute. This is called making a roux, and it’s what will help thicken our sauce. The flour will absorb the butter and form a paste. Keep whisking to ensure no lumps of flour remain.

Deglazing and Simmering the Sauce

Once your roux has cooked for about a minute and smells slightly nutty, it’s time to deglaze and introduce some liquid. Gradually pour in the ¾ cup of chicken broth while whisking continuously. The broth will start to break down the roux and create a smooth base. Keep whisking until all the broth is incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Now, pour in the ¾ cup of milk, again while whisking. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and no lumps are present. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let it simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. This simmering process allows the flour to fully cook and the sauce to develop its creamy texture.

Adding Flavor and Finishing Touches

As the sauce simmers and thickens, it’s time to add those delicious flavor boosters. Stir in the ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This adds a subtle warmth and a touch of heat that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add a little more! Now, season the sauce generously with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese will also add saltiness, so taste as you go. Stir in ¼ cup of the divided ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, making it even richer and more flavorful. This is where the sauce truly starts to come alive with cheesy goodness. Ensure the heat is low during this step to prevent the cheese from clumping.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Once your penne pasta is cooked al dente and drained (reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water just in case you need to thin the sauce later), it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained penne directly into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss the pasta gently with the sauce until every piece is beautifully coated. If the sauce seems a little too thick for your liking, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starch from the pasta water will help the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta even better. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Finally, top the Easy Creamy Garlic Penne with the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. You can either stir this in for extra cheesiness or sprinkle it over the top just before serving for a delightful garnish. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Easy Creamy Garlic Penne!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to create this incredibly delicious and satisfying Easy Creamy Garlic Penne! This recipe truly is a weeknight savior, offering a rich and comforting flavor profile that’s sure to become a family favorite. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your culinary journey, you’ll find this pasta dish incredibly approachable and rewarding. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own – that’s part of the fun!

For serving suggestions, this creamy pasta is wonderful on its own, allowing the flavors to shine. However, it pairs exceptionally well with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Grilled chicken breast or shrimp are fantastic protein additions that elevate it to a more substantial meal. If you’re feeling adventurous with variations, try adding some sautéed spinach or mushrooms for an extra veggie boost, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Easy Creamy Garlic Penne a try soon; I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce components in advance. Sautéing the garlic and aromatics and combining them with the cream and cheese can be done a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. You’ll likely need to gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop, adding a splash of pasta water or milk to achieve the correct consistency before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.

What kind of pasta works best for this dish?

While penne is the star of the show for its ability to capture the creamy sauce in its nooks and crannies, other short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle (bow-ties), or rigatoni will also work beautifully. The key is a pasta shape that can hold onto the delicious, creamy garlic sauce.