Description
This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a quick and delicious dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it offers comforting flavors with minimal effort and in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors and prevent sticking.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece in the rich garlic cream sauce evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the creamy garlic penne pasta immediately while warm.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoother sauce.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be less rich.
- You can add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for added protein and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
