Name: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 oz cream cheese (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

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This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a rich, velvety dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients I usually have on hand. It’s made with tender penne pasta tossed in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce that’s cheesy, comforting, and full of flavor. Whether I serve it as a main dish or a side, it’s one of my favorite quick and satisfying meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this pasta is to make—just a few pantry staples, one pot, and about 20 minutes is all it takes. The creamy garlic sauce clings beautifully to the penne, and I can enjoy it as is or dress it up with grilled chicken, shrimp, or veggies. It’s the kind of simple, soul-warming food that I keep coming back to again and again. Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Penne pasta
Butter
Garlic (freshly minced)
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Parmesan cheese
Cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Directions

I cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant—about 1–2 minutes.
I lower the heat and pour in the cream, stirring gently to combine with the garlic and butter.
I stir in the Parmesan and cream cheese (if using), letting the sauce simmer and thicken for 3–5 minutes.
I season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want some heat.
I add the cooked penne into the sauce and toss until it’s fully coated and creamy.
I garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 5–10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner on the table in 20–25 minutes total.

Variations

I often add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or bacon for a protein boost.
For more veggies, I stir in spinach, broccoli, or peas at the end.
I swap penne with other short pastas like rigatoni or fusilli when I want a change.
For a lighter version, I use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
I’ve also made a dairy-free version using cashew cream and nutritional yeast.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of milk or cream and warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring until creamy again. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway to keep the sauce from separating. Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, I’ve made it with whole milk or a mix of milk and a bit of flour to thicken. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it still tastes great.

What’s the best cheese for this sauce?

I always go with freshly grated Parmesan—it melts better and gives the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free penne and make sure my other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

I keep the heat low once the cream is added and avoid boiling. Stirring gently and adding the cheese gradually helps create a smooth sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but I’ve made it a few hours ahead and reheated with a bit of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Conclusion

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is one of those recipes I turn to when I want something comforting, quick, and full of flavor. It’s creamy, garlicky, and endlessly adaptable, making it a staple in my kitchen. Whether I keep it simple or load it with extras, it always hits the spot.