Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: creamy garlic penne pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, combining rich, savory flavors with a silky, creamy texture that just makes my heart sing. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy dinner with friends; the aroma of sautéed garlic filled the kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s so simple yet so indulgent, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of creamy garlic penne pasta too!
Ingredients List
- 12 oz penne pasta: This is the star of the dish! It’s perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must! It adds that irresistible aroma and flavor that makes this dish so comforting.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what gives the pasta its rich, velvety texture. Don’t skimp on it; it’s part of the indulgence!
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A splash of good quality olive oil brings everything together and adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Salt to taste: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors; don’t forget to season as you go!
- Black pepper to taste: Freshly cracked pepper adds a bit of warmth and spice to the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish: This adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving. Trust me, it makes a difference!
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Now, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making creamy garlic penne pasta! This process is so straightforward, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting dish that’ll impress everyone around your table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. You want that oil shimmering but not smoking!
- Add the 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen is filled with that heavenly garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it brown too much; we want it fragrant, not bitter!
- Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally, making sure it doesn’t boil over.
- Once the cream is simmering, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a silky sauce. This is where the magic happens!
- Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that creamy goodness.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, giving it a final mix.
- Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. And there you have it—a bowl of creamy garlic penne pasta ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This creamy garlic penne pasta comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich flavors: The combination of garlic, cream, and Parmesan creates a decadent sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Comfort food appeal: Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for cozy dinners or when you just need a little indulgence.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak it by adding your favorite proteins or veggies to make it your own!
- Vegetarian-friendly: This dish is not only delicious but also caters to vegetarian diets, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Success
To make your creamy garlic penne pasta truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; it melts better and tastes amazing compared to pre-packaged. When cooking the garlic, keep an eye on it to avoid burning, as that can turn the flavor bitter—trust me, no one wants that! If you want to elevate the dish even more, consider adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving for a bright touch. And don’t skimp on the garnish; a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor that ties everything together beautifully!
Variations of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this creamy garlic penne pasta! For a protein boost, try adding cooked chicken or shrimp; they blend beautifully with the sauce. You can also toss in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for added color and nutrition. Feeling herbaceous? Fresh basil or thyme can brighten up the dish and give it a fresh twist. Want a little kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a lovely warmth. The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of creamy garlic penne pasta. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 25g of fat, 12g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind these figures are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy garlic penne pasta is super simple! Just transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days, but honestly, it’s so good, it might not last that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is a breeze. You can either warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up, or use the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you might lose that creamy goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is my go-to, you can use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli, bowties, or even spaghetti would work well with this creamy garlic sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Just combine them when you’re ready to serve! However, I recommend adding a splash of cream when reheating to keep it creamy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Creamy garlic penne pasta can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a perfect choice for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
What can I serve with creamy garlic penne pasta?
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread. It’s also delicious alongside grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables for a heartier meal!
Can I make it dairy-free?
Sure! You can substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for added flavor.
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: 7 Reasons It’s a Comforting Indulgence
- Temps Total: 25 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Creamy garlic penne pasta is a comforting indulgence that combines rich flavors with a creamy texture.
Ingrédients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and combine well.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or vegetables for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 25g
- Graisses Saturées: 15g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: creamy garlic penne pasta, pasta, Italian, comfort food
