Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is that ultimate comfort food that knows how to hit the spot after a long day. Each bite wraps you in the silky richness of a garlic cream sauce clinging to perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels both indulgent and homey, like something grandma might have made—only quicker.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just need a satisfying solo dinner, this pasta checks all the boxes. It comes together fast, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and leaves your kitchen smelling absolutely mouthwatering. One whiff of that buttery garlic bubbling in cream and you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

This pasta is comfort in a bowl. The creamy sauce doesn’t overpower but balances richness with the warm bite of fresh garlic. It’s versatile too. You can toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or veggies to make it your own. Plus, it reheats like a dream, which means tomorrow’s lunch is already solved.

What makes this dish especially lovable is how quickly it comes together without sacrificing flavor. You’re only a few ingredients and about 20 minutes away from pasta bliss.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Penne is the go-to for a reason. Its ridges and tube shape trap the creamy sauce in every bite. But if you’re in a pinch, you can easily swap in rigatoni, ziti, or even farfalle. Just avoid very thin pasta like angel hair, which doesn’t hold up well to heavier sauces.

Ingredients for the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

To make this pasta truly sing, a few key ingredients come into play. Each one contributes to the lush texture and deep flavor of the sauce.

• Penne pasta
• Butter
• Garlic cloves
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Penne pasta provides the perfect vehicle for capturing the sauce. Butter adds richness as the garlic sautés. Garlic cloves, freshly minced, are the soul of this dish, so don’t skimp. Heavy cream creates that velvety sauce we crave, while Parmesan cheese melts into it, giving depth and a salty bite. Salt and pepper balance the flavors, and parsley, if used, brings freshness and color.

How To Make the Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Season

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the drained pasta into the sauce. Stir until every piece is coated and creamy. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to bring everything together.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the pasta warm and top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storing This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

This dish serves four generous portions, perfect for a weeknight family meal or a small dinner party. If you’re cooking for fewer people, leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to three days.

To reheat, just add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta and warm it gently over the stovetop or in the microwave. It’ll bring the sauce back to life without drying out.

What to Serve With Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Nothing sops up that delicious sauce better than buttery, toasted garlic bread.

Grilled Chicken

Add a grilled chicken breast on top for extra protein and a satisfying bite.

Roasted Broccoli

The earthy crunch of roasted broccoli contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Caesar Salad

A crisp Caesar salad with a punchy dressing adds freshness and brightness.

Shrimp Scampi

Pair with a simple shrimp scampi for a surf-and-turf pasta plate.

Caprese Skewers

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella skewers add color and balance to the richness.

Lemon Asparagus

Grilled or steamed asparagus with lemon zest brings in a citrusy zing.

Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Double down on the comfort with a side of mushrooms sautéed in butter and herbs.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, you’ll want to check out these delicious creations too:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a meaty twist on comfort food.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you’re craving a one-pan hearty meal.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for when indulgence calls.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you’re looking for something ultra-rich.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta that brings the flavor and saves on cleanup.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime you need comfort in a bowl.

Let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Did you add mushrooms? Go heavy on the garlic? Maybe sprinkle in red pepper flakes?

I love seeing how everyone puts their own twist on these meals. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask — let’s make cooking easy together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and daily recipes on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dinner idea.

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