How do I make the creamy garlic penne pasta sauce thick and smooth?

To achieve a thick and smooth sauce, cook garlic gently in butter or oil until fragrant but not browned. Add cream and broth gradually, stirring continuously. Simmer the mixture on low heat to reduce excess liquid and allow it to thicken. Incorporating some grated Parmesan while the sauce is warm helps create a silky texture. Avoid boiling vigorously, which can cause the cream to separate.

Can I add vegetables or protein to creamy garlic penne pasta?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes complements the creamy sauce well. For protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or diced ham are popular choices. Add vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking to keep their texture, and cook proteins separately to ensure they are properly done before mixing with the pasta and sauce.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover creamy garlic penne pasta without drying it out?

Reheat leftovers slowly on low heat, either in a pan on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth, cream, or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying or becoming clumpy. Stir frequently to maintain a creamy consistency and avoid overheating, which can cause the sauce to split.

Can I prepare creamy garlic penne pasta in advance for a party?

Creamy garlic penne pasta is best served fresh for optimal sauce consistency. If preparing in advance, cook the sauce ahead and refrigerate it separately. Cook the pasta fresh just before serving and combine them when ready. If mixing earlier, be aware the sauce may thicken and need thinning with a bit of liquid when reheated.

What are good substitutes for Parmesan cheese in creamy garlic penne pasta?

If you don’t have Parmesan, Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are good alternatives that provide similar savory notes. Mozzarella can add creaminess but won’t contribute the same sharp flavor, and skipping cheese altogether will make the sauce less rich. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance flavor if using substitutes.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe for Easy Weeknight Dinner

Name: creamy garlic penne pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound (16 ounces) penne rigate pasta, cooked and drained; 2 to 3 tablespoons butter; 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3/4 to 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth; 3/4 to 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred; half-and-half or heavy cream can be substituted); 1/3 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional); 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic salt with parsley flakes, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, dill; Optional additions: vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, peas, zucchini, broccoli, fresh red pepper slices), proteins (chicken, chicken sausage, bacon, shrimp, diced ham)

Description

🧄 Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta combines rich garlic flavor with a smooth white sauce for a comforting and delicious weeknight meal.
🍝 This easy recipe can be customized with veggies or proteins to create a satisfying and versatile dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound (16 ounces) penne rigate pasta, cooked and drained

2 to 3 tablespoons butter

2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3/4 to 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth

3/4 to 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred; half-and-half or heavy cream can be substituted)

1/3 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic salt with parsley flakes, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, dill

Optional additions: vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, peas, zucchini, broccoli, fresh red pepper slices), proteins (chicken, chicken sausage, bacon, shrimp, diced ham)

Instructions

1-Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook 1 pound of penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2-Sauté garlic: In a medium or large saucepan, melt 2 to 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 2 to 3 minced garlic cloves; sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

3-Make the roux: Stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute) and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to avoid a raw flour taste.

4-Add liquids: Gradually whisk in 3/4 to 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth, followed by 3/4 to 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended). Keep stirring to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to boil and thickens, approximately 5 minutes.

5-Incorporate cheese and seasoning: Stir in 1/3 to 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.

6-Toss pasta: Add hot cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved hot pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.

7-Optional finishing touches: Stir in 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese if using, allowing it to melt into the sauce.

8-Serve: Plate immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

🧈 Use real butter and fresh parsley for the best flavor.
🥛 Adjust the amount of milk or cream to achieve your preferred sauce thickness.
🍗 Add proteins like chicken or shrimp, and veggies for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauce-making and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Penne, White Sauce Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, Garlic Cheese Pasta