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creamy penne pasta recipe
Aldrick Winters

creamy penne pasta recipe

A rich and velvety creamy penne pasta made with garlic, cream, and parmesan for a comforting, restaurant-style dish. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals, it delivers a smooth, cheesy texture with every bite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic – minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes – optional
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley – for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente; it should be tender but slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat until melted and slightly bubbling.
  3. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in the cream and milk, stirring gently; let it simmer until slightly thickened and smooth.
  5. Add parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes; stir until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
  7. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and thicken slightly.
  8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, melt-in sauce.
  • Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • Avoid boiling the cream to prevent splitting; keep it at a gentle simmer.