Creamy Penne Pasta
Creamy Penne Pasta is a rich and comforting dish ready in 40 minutes. Use simple pantry staples for a quick weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.
You start by boiling water for the pasta while you chop the garlic. This creamy penne comes together quickly once everything hits the pan.
The sauce needs just three ingredients besides the noodles. Garlic, heavy cream, and parmesan make a velvety base that coats every piece perfectly.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 pound (450g) penne pasta
Buy the dried kind in boxes. Fresh pasta cooks too fast for this method.
3 cloves garlic minced
Use fresh garlic if you can find it. Jarred works but tastes stronger.
2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
Whole milk makes it thinner. Heavy cream gives the right thickness.
1 cup (100g) grated parmesan cheese
Pre-grated cheese has anti-caking powder. Buy a block and grate it yourself for better melt.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Extra virgin adds flavor. Regular vegetable oil works fine too.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Taste the sauce before adding more salt since cheese is salty.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the water
Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the penne.
2. Cook the noodles
Stir the pasta after putting it in the water. Cook until al dente then drain well.
3. Sauté the garlic
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden brown.
4. Make the sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to simmer. Lower heat and stir in the parmesan gradually.
5. Combine pasta and sauce
Toss the drained noodles into the skillet. Mix until every piece is coated evenly.
6. Season the dish
Add black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed. Taste one bite before serving.
Pro Tips
How to Store Creamy Penne Pasta
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
Freezer
Freeze the sauce separately from pasta for best results.
Reheating
Warm gently on stove with splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes but the texture will be much thinner. Use half-and-half for better results.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from burning?
Keep the heat low once you add dairy. Stir often to prevent sticking on bottom.
Q: Is this gluten-free friendly?
Not unless you swap regular pasta for GF version. Check labels carefully.
Q: Why did my cheese clump?
High heat causes separation. Warm the cream first then add cheese slowly off heat.
Serve warm with crusty bread on the side. Enjoy this cozy meal tonight.
Creamy Penne Pasta
Creamy Penne Pasta is a rich and comforting dish ready in 40 minutes. Use simple pantry staples for a quick weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) penne pasta
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
📋 Instructions
- 1Boil the water — Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the penne.
- 2Cook the noodles — Stir the pasta after putting it in the water. Cook until al dente then drain well.
- 3Sauté the garlic — Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden brown.
- 4Make the sauce — Pour in the heavy cream and bring to simmer. Lower heat and stir in the parmesan gradually.
- 5Combine pasta and sauce — Toss the drained noodles into the skillet. Mix until every piece is coated evenly.
- 6Season the dish — Add black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed. Taste one bite before serving.
