Description
This rich and silky penne pasta is coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce—perfect for quick weeknight dinners or indulgent comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup whole milk
Salt and pepper, to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, cook penne for 10–12 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Sauté Garlic: Melt butter with olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Make the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and milk, simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Combine Pasta & Sauce: Add penne to the skillet and toss to coat. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.
Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Serve: Plate and garnish with parsley or basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or bacon.
Toss in veggies such as spinach, broccoli, or sun‑dried tomatoes.
Spice it up with red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
