Ah, creamy garlic penne pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of sautéing garlic, and it felt like a cozy Italian restaurant right at home. The combination of rich, velvety cream and the sharp bite of Parmesan creates a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up on a weeknight when you need something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this creamy goodness, you’ll be coming back for more!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add in the 8 oz of penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. As the oil warms, chop up 4 cloves of garlic and get ready to infuse your kitchen with that incredible aroma.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant but not browned—burnt garlic is a no-go! Wow, the smell is already heavenly!
- Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Stir it occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
- Once it’s simmering, sprinkle in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. This is the moment you’ll want to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and add it directly into the sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece of penne is coated in that luscious, creamy goodness. It’s like a little pasta party in there!
- Finally, garnish with some fresh chopped parsley before serving. And there you have it—your creamy garlic penne pasta is ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: Seriously, this creamy garlic penne pasta comes together in just about 25 minutes! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich and comforting flavors: The combination of creamy sauce, garlic, and Parmesan is like a flavor symphony that warms your soul. Each bite is a delightful mix of richness and savory goodness that will leave you craving more.
- Versatile with add-ins: Want to amp up the nutrition? Toss in some cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables. This dish is a blank canvas, so feel free to get creative with your favorite ingredients!
- Perfect for weeknight dinners: Whether it’s a casual family meal or a last-minute gathering, this dish is sure to impress. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough to serve to guests.
- Vegetarian-friendly: This creamy garlic penne is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a great vegetarian option that even meat-lovers will enjoy. It’s comforting for everyone around the table!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy garlic penne pasta turns out absolutely perfect, here are some tips I swear by! First off, don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste—if you love that garlicky punch, go for it! Just remember, sautéing it gently is key; burnt garlic can turn bitter, and nobody wants that!
For the smoothest sauce, make sure to stir the heavy cream well as it simmers, and gradually add the Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. This helps create that luscious, creamy texture we all crave. And don’t forget to taste as you go; a little extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavors beautifully!
Finally, serve it immediately for the best experience—there’s nothing like enjoying it fresh off the stove. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan and a few more parsley flakes on top for that fancy touch. Your guests will be raving about it, trust me!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to shake things up with this creamy garlic penne pasta! If you want to add a little heat, try sprinkling in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. Love herbs? Fresh basil or thyme can really brighten the dish and bring a lovely aroma that complements the garlic.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for an earthy flavor twist. For a burst of freshness, add a handful of baby spinach or kale right before serving; it’ll wilt perfectly in that creamy sauce!
And hey, why not switch up the cheese? A blend of mozzarella and Parmesan or even a bit of goat cheese can add a delightful tang. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your creamy garlic penne pasta is easy! Just let it cool down to room temperature first, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to make sure it’s sealed tight so it stays fresh and delicious!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze. Just pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you find the sauce has thickened too much, don’t panic! A splash of milk or extra cream will bring it back to that dreamy consistency. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of cream if needed. Just be sure to stir it often to keep everything nice and creamy. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to creamy garlic penne pasta, indulging in comfort food doesn’t have to come with a side of guilt! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (1 cup) for this delightful dish:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 12g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, like different types of pasta or cheese. It’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re counting calories or watching your macros. But honestly, this creamy garlic goodness is worth every decadent bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is my go-to for this creamy garlic dish, you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require a little more or less time to reach that perfect al dente texture!
How can I make this dish lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. This will reduce the fat content while still giving you a creamy texture. You can also use less cheese or try a lighter cheese option, like part-skim mozzarella, to keep the flavors intact without the extra calories!
What can I add to the recipe for extra protein?
Great question! To boost the protein in your creamy garlic penne pasta, you can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Grilled or sautéed chicken breast works wonders, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crispy bacon or pancetta can add a delicious crunch and flavor contrast. Trust me, everyone will love it!
For more tips on pasta dishes, you can check out this collection of pasta recipes for inspiration!
Z nadrukami
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: 7 Ways to Indulge Comfortably
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Creamy garlic penne pasta is a comforting dish that combines rich flavors and a smooth texture.
Składniki
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instrukcje
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked penne pasta in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- You can adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or vegetables for added nutrition.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: Italian
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 2g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 30g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 15g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 40g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: creamy garlic penne pasta, pasta recipe, garlic pasta
