Oh, creamy garlic penne! When I think about this dish, I can’t help but remember those cozy nights with my family when we laughed, talked, and enjoyed something delicious right out of the oven. Pasta is just magical; it’s the best comfort food there is, right? The creamy, garlicky goodness sticks to the soft penne noodles, making it feel like a warm hug for your taste buds.
I found this recipe while looking through an old cookbook at my grandma’s house. As soon as I saw the words “creamy” and “garlic,” my heart raced with excitement. I mean, who doesn’t like the strong smell of garlic in the kitchen? I can clearly remember how excited I was as the pasta boiled, knowing that we would soon be sitting down to eat. It has become a regular part of my cooking, and I honestly make it for everything from family dinners to casual get-togethers with friends. It’s easy, but it looks great!
So, are you ready to enjoy this food? Let’s get started!
What are the ingredients in Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta?
Let’s look at the parts that make this pasta dish so special now!
The star of our show is penne pasta! Because of its tubular shape, penne is great for holding on to that creamy sauce. For the perfect al dente texture, I always choose Barilla or De Cecco.
Garlic: Ah, garlic—the smell that makes everything better! We’ll use a lot of this because who can say no to that tasty garlic flavor? I usually use fresh garlic cloves, but if I need to, I can use minced garlic from a jar.
Heavy cream is what makes our dish so rich and creamy. This may not be the healthiest choice, but you can definitely taste the flavor. For that rich finish, I suggest using heavy cream with whole fat.
Parmesan Cheese: To get that sharp, nutty taste, you should use freshly grated parmesan. If you can, stay away from the pre-grated kinds. Fresh always makes a big difference.
Butter: A little bit of butter makes the dish richer and softens the garlic’s punch. I like to use unsalted butter so I can add salt to the dish as needed.
Chicken or vegetable broth: This is to make the sauce more flavorful. Homemade is best, but store-bought is fine too. Just make sure it has low sodium if you’re trying to cut back on salt!
These are important spices: salt and pepper. Salt makes flavors stronger, and freshly cracked pepper adds a kick to the dish’s smoothness.
Fresh parsley adds color and freshness! It not only looks good, but it also tastes great and balances out the creaminess of the dish.
Is Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Healthy?
Now let’s talk about whether this penne pasta with creamy garlic is good for you. That really depends on how you look at it, doesn’t it? Let’s take it apart.
Penne pasta: Lots and lots of carbs! You get a nice energy boost from the penne, but you should only eat it in moderation, especially if you’re watching what you eat.
Garlic: What a shock! Garlic is more than just a flavor bomb; it also helps your heart, boosts your immune system, and fights inflammation. So, if you want to, don’t feel bad about adding more cloves!
Heavy cream makes things richer and creamier, Roddy, but it’s important to remember that it’s high in calories and saturated fat. You can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream instead if you want something lighter, but it won’t be as rich.
Parmesan cheese is high in protein and calcium, but it is also high in fat and sodium. A sprinkle will give you that great umami taste without going too far.
Balance is always the most important thing! Add a fresh salad or some sautéed vegetables to this dish to make it a full meal and make it lighter.
List of Ingredients
Want to make a batch of this creamy treat? You will need the following for about four servings:
– 12 ounces of penne pasta – 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of heavy cream – 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese – 2 tablespoons of butter – 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
– Salt (to taste)
– Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)
– 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
How do you make creamy garlic penne pasta?
Okay, everyone, it’s time to start cooking! This creamy garlic penne pasta will have everyone talking. Here’s how to make it step by step.
1. **Make the Pasta:** Bring salted water to a boil in a big pot, and then add the penne pasta. Follow the directions on the package and cook until al dente. Set aside the rest of the pasta water, but keep about a cup of it.
2. **Sauté the garlic:** Put the butter in a big skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until it smells good and starts to turn golden. Don’t let it burn; burnt garlic doesn’t taste good!
3. **Put in the broth:** Add your chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can mix.
4. **Add Cream:** Turn down the heat and slowly whisk in the heavy cream. Keep stirring for a few minutes, or until the sauce starts to thicken and everything is well mixed.
5. **Add Cheese:** Slowly add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it is completely melted and mixed into the sauce. You can change the thickness of the sauce by adding some reserved pasta water if it seems too thick.
6. **Mix the Pasta and Sauce:** Put the cooked penne pasta right into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. To make sure that every inch of that penne is covered in delicious, garlicky goodness, stir it well.
7. **Time to season:** Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to the pasta to taste. I like to add a little bit of red pepper flakes for an extra kick sometimes.
8. **Add a garnish and serve:** To serve, add some chopped fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. Get a fork and dig in to enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Tasty variations and tips to make your dish even better
If you want more than just the basics, I’ve got you covered! Here are some great ways to make your creamy garlic penne pasta even better:
1. **Add Protein:** You can make this a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Just throw them in with the pasta and sauce!
2. **Veggie Delight:** You could add sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. They not only add beautiful color and nutrition, but they also add a burst of flavor!
3. **Spices and herbs:** Try using fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or even a little lemon juice to brighten things up if you want to change things up. Adding a little nutmeg can also make the dish feel warmer in a way you didn’t expect.
4. **Make it Vegan:** Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream or cashew cream. Instead of parmesan, use nutritional yeast. This way, you can taste the flavors without the dairy!
5. **Cheese Lovers Unite:** You can add mozzarella or goat cheese to your cheese if you want a creamier flavor.
Finally, don’t forget to include serving suggestions! This dish goes great with a fresh salad and some crusty bread. A glass of white wine also goes well with this, making for a truly unique meal.
As a kind friend who is sharing my recipe, I hope you enjoy this creamy garlic penne pasta as much as I do. There is nothing better than sitting down with family and friends, eating a great meal, and making memories. So put on your apron and let’s get started! I can’t wait to hear how it goes for you!
