This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that’s quick, customizable, and perfect for any occasion.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Pasta
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
8 oz Penne Pasta (Substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed.)
4 cloves Garlic (Fresh is best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream.)
2 tbsp Butter (Olive oil makes a great dairy-free alternative.)
1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Use grated pecorino or nutritional yeast for variation.)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, add minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic. Stir as the cream warms, then gradually add Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped herbs or additional Parmesan cheese as desired.