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Some recipes just make you smile before you even take a bite, and this is one of them. Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta isn’t just food; it’s comfort in a bowl. Quick, easy, garlicky, and oh-so-creamy, it feels like something you’d order in a little Italian café… only you made it in your own kitchen.
The best part? It works for family dinners, cozy nights in, or even last-minute guests. It’s a recipe that plays well with others too: toss in chicken, shrimp, or veggies, and suddenly it’s a brand-new dish. Versatile, budget-friendly, and downright good.
When’s the Best Time to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
Honestly, there’s no wrong time…but some moments make it extra special. This pasta is perfect on a chilly evening, when warm bowls of creamy goodness feel like a hug. It’s also great on a busy weeknight when you need something satisfying in under 30 minutes.
Hosting friends? Double the recipe and add some roasted vegetables or grilled chicken, and suddenly you’ve got a crowd-pleaser. Even the little picky eaters usually clean their bowls. Yep, it’s that reliable.
Ingredients Needed for the Recipe
- 1 pound box of Penne Pasta (cooked according to package directions)
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 teaspoons parsley flakes
- 2/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Each ingredient matters. Butter makes the base rich, garlic gives that irresistible aroma and depth, flour builds the sauce, and Parmesan finishes with a savory sharpness. Even the parsley flakes? They’re not just for color — they brighten the whole dish.
Ingredient Substitutions You Can Try
Don’t stress if your pantry isn’t stocked exactly. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if you want it vegetarian. No whole milk? Use half-and-half or even a splash of cream for extra indulgence. Plant-based eaters can try oat milk and vegan butter with vegan Parmesan.
If penne pasta isn’t available, rigatoni or even bow ties fit right in — the sauce clings beautifully. And if you like more heat, add crushed red chili flakes to the garlic butter before whisking in flour.
How to make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta (Easy)?
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with a pot of boiling salted water. Cook the penne until al dente — just tender with a slight bite. Drain it carefully, but don’t let it sit too long; pasta waits for no one.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, golden but not burned. This is when your kitchen starts smelling incredible, and you’ll feel like a pro chef.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Sprinkle flour right into the garlic butter, whisking steadily to form a smooth paste (a roux). This little step ensures your sauce thickens later — don’t rush it. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, followed by the milk, whisking as you go.
Step 4: Season and Add Flavor
Stir in salt, black pepper, parsley flakes, and let the sauce simmer until creamy and slightly thick. This is when it transforms from plain white to glossy perfection. At the very end, add Parmesan and watch it melt right in.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together until every noodle is coated in the rich creamy garlic sauce. Finish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, or even a drizzle of olive oil.
What Can You Pair With Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
This dish stands beautifully on its own, but it shines even brighter with the right partners. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness. Warm garlic bread? Always a hit, always dangerous — you’ll eat too much.
If you want more protein, grilled chicken breast, pan-seared shrimp, or even baked salmon fit perfectly. For veggie lovers, roasted broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers blend right in with the sauce.
Tips
Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente is your friend, because it continues cooking slightly in the sauce.
Whisk constantly when adding flour and liquids to avoid lumps. A smooth sauce is everything here.
Use fresh Parmesan if possible, because pre-grated doesn’t melt as well and won’t give that silky texture.
Save pasta water — a splash can help thin the sauce if it gets too thick after tossing with pasta.
Add a twist by stirring in a handful of spinach at the end. It wilts beautifully and adds color and nutrients.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but don’t panic — this is where a splash of milk comes to the rescue.
For reheating, stovetop is best. Add the pasta to a pan, stir in a little milk or broth, and warm gently until creamy again. The microwave works too, but stir midway so it heats evenly.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta (Easy) is more than a dinner — it’s a little moment of happiness you can simmer on your stove. It’s simple, flexible, and loved by both kids and adults. And the leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have them, reheat like a dream.
Whether you make it as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, this pasta proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. One pot, a handful of pantry ingredients, and thirty minutes — you’ve got magic on a plate!
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe (Easy)
Description
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a quick, easy, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Rich, velvety, and bursting with garlic flavor, this comforting pasta is a family favorite that even picky eaters love. Made with simple pantry staples, it comes together in under 30 minutes and is endlessly versatile—add chicken, shrimp, broccoli, or serve it as a decadent side. This budget-friendly meal is creamy, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook penne pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
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In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not let it brown).
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Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
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Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the milk. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
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Stir in the parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
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Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and stir until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
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Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, black pepper, and fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
Serving Size 1 1/2 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 480kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 11g56%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 45mg15%
- Sodium 520mg22%
- Potassium 220mg7%
- Total Carbohydrate 58g20%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 16g32%
- Calcium 25 mg
- Iron 1.8 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Variations: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, scallops, sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach to make it a complete meal.
- Make it richer: Substitute half the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half for an extra-decadent sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the dairy-based sauce may separate upon thawing.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a comforting dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works great, you can use fettuccine, rigatoni, farfalle, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.
Why did my sauce turn out lumpy?
This usually happens if the flour isn’t cooked properly or the liquid is added too quickly. Always whisk constantly and add broth and milk gradually to ensure a smooth sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it, adding the cooked pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free penne pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.