If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that takes under 30 minutes but feels like a restaurant treat, look no further than Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. This dreamy dish features tender penne tossed in a silky, Parmesan-laced garlic cream sauce. Every bite is rich, garlicky perfection, with the kind of savory complexity you crave after a long day or when hosting friends. Whether you want a family-friendly, weeknight staple or a special meal you’ll crave again and again, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta checks every box—simple, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta lies in its short ingredient list—just the essentials, each one chosen for maximum flavor and rewarding texture. From butter’s richness to a flourish of fresh parsley, these ingredients make all the difference.

12 oz penne pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold onto the creamy sauce, penne makes every bite satisfying.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps the garlic “bloom” for deep flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic heart of the sauce—go fresh for best results!
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Just enough to thicken the sauce without making it heavy.
2 cups whole milk: Adds silky body to the sauce; whole milk gives the dish its signature creaminess.
1/2 cup heavy cream: For an extra-luxurious texture and that dreamy mouthfeel.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, this melts into the sauce to tie everything together.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor without overpowering the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough warmth to balance the creaminess.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you love a little heat, this simple touch wakes up the sauce.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Offers a burst of freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Stir occasionally and cook just until al dente, following the package instructions—this is key for pasta that’s tender yet still has a pleasant bite. Once cooked, drain it well and set the pasta aside while you focus on the sauce magic.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter is foaming (but not browning), add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, just until fragrant—this short step transforms raw garlic into a deeply aromatic base for your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta without letting it burn.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the buttery garlic, then whisk smoothly for a minute. This forms a roux, which thickens your sauce. Make sure the flour is evenly mixed in to avoid any lumps—the aroma at this stage is heavenly!

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly. This is the trick to a perfectly smooth, creamy sauce. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little extra zing. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats your spoon. It will look glossy and deeply inviting.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet with your luscious garlic cream sauce. Toss everything together gently, making sure the pasta is thoroughly coated and every tube is filled with sauce. Cook for about 1-2 more minutes, just until the dish is steamy and melded together. Your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is now ready to dazzle!

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle generous amounts of chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. The vivid green is not only beautiful but also adds a gentle, fresh pop to complement the rich flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Garnishes

A final flurry of grated Parmesan is always a good idea. Add freshly chopped parsley for freshness, or a pinch of cracked black pepper for just a hint of heat. If you want to wow your guests, drizzle with a touch of good quality olive oil or scatter a few toasted pine nuts on top.

Side Dishes

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta shines all on its own, but it’s also perfectly happy with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or some crusty warm bread to help soak up that irresistible sauce. For extra protein, a simply cooked chicken breast or sautéed shrimp makes a wonderful pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in shallow wide bowls for a cozy, bistro-like touch. For a special gathering, pile it high on a platter and finish with extra parsley and shaved Parmesan. Or make individual portions in mini cast iron skillets for that restaurant wow-factor at your own table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta stores beautifully! Let it cool fully, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken but will stay creamy with a quick stir when reheating.

Freezing

While pasta with cream sauce isn’t always a freezer superstar, you can freeze portions of this dish if needed. Place cooled pasta in airtight containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to bring back that silky consistency. The microwave also works in a pinch—just pause to stir every 30 seconds so everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free penne and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t sacrifice flavor or creaminess.

What proteins can I add to this pasta?

This recipe is fantastic with stir-ins like cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon. They not only add heartiness but also create a whole new meal with every variation—don’t be afraid to get creative!

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

The secret is to whisk the milk in slowly and steadily after making your roux, keeping the pan over medium heat. Whisking constantly helps achieve that smooth, glorious sauce that defines Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta.

Can I make this dish lighter?

You definitely can—try using all whole milk instead of a mix of milk and cream, and swap in half the amount of cheese if you like. The pasta will still be satisfying with a bit less richness.

What vegetables work well as add-ins?

Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted cherry tomatoes pair beautifully with the garlicky, creamy sauce. Stir them in just before tossing the pasta for extra nutrition, color, and flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting or universally loved as a bowl of homemade Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or celebrating with friends. Give this recipe a try—the combination of creamy sauce and garlic-kissed penne will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delicious Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. With a rich, garlicky sauce and al dente penne, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Creamy Garlic Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Penne: Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Combine and Serve: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat in the sauce, and heat through. Garnish with parsley before serving.