Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it is best fresh. If you make it ahead, keep a splash of cream or milk ready for reheating so it turns silky again.

What if I do not have heavy cream?

Half and half works. Whole milk works too, but the sauce will be thinner, so add a bit more Parmesan and use pasta water to help it thicken.

How do I keep the sauce from getting grainy?

Use low heat when adding Parmesan and stir constantly. Also use freshly grated cheese if you can.

Can I add meat without drying it out?

Yes. Cook chicken or shrimp separately and add it back at the end so it stays juicy.

Is penne the only pasta that works?

Not at all. Rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine work great. Just aim for a shape that holds sauce well.

Deliciously Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta recipe

Description

A comforting and creamy penne pasta dish infused with bold garlic flavor, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta Ingredients

12 oz Penne pasta (The sauce slides inside the tubes.)
1 cup Pasta water (Reserving starchy water helps bind the sauce.)

Sauce Ingredients

2 tbsp Butter (For flavor.)
1 tbsp Olive oil (Prevents butter from browning too fast.)
5-7 cloves Fresh garlic (Minced, avoid jar garlic if possible.)
1 cup Heavy cream (For a velvety texture, half and half can be used for lighter sauce.)
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly grated for better melting and flavor.)
to taste Salt (Adjust according to taste.)
to taste Black pepper (Do not be shy with pepper.)

Optional Add-Ins

to taste Spinach (Toss in at the end.)
to taste Mushrooms (Sauté before adding the sauce.)
to taste Chicken (Cook separately and add at the end.)
to taste Shrimp (Cook quickly in butter and garlic, then add back.)
a pinch Chili flakes (For added heat.)

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Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it until it tastes like the sea.
Add the penne and stir for the first minute to prevent sticking. Cook until tender with a slight bite, then save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Do not rinse the pasta, as rinsing washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling.

Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce

In a large skillet, warm butter and olive oil over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, let it come to a low simmer, and then stir in the grated Parmesan until melted.
Season with salt and black pepper, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained penne directly into the skillet with sauce and toss for 1-2 minutes.
If the pasta seems dry, add a little more pasta water. If it’s too saucy, keep tossing until it tightens up.
Finish with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Tweak the recipe with lemon, specific herbs, or more garlic to enhance the flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently with milk or cream.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian