Description
A rich and creamy garlic penne pasta recipe featuring a velvety homemade garlic cream sauce, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning for a comforting and indulgent meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the garlic and butter, and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the roux while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Continue cooking the sauce for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Adjust the garlic quantity according to your taste preference.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for melting and flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the pasta at its creamiest texture.