There’s something timeless about a bowl of creamy pasta. It doesn’t try to impress with complexity—it wins hearts through warmth, richness, and familiarity. Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is one of those recipes that feels like a hug after a long day. It’s indulgent without being heavy, simple yet layered with flavor, and endlessly adaptable for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

This dish brings together tender penne pasta, gently sautéed garlic, and a luxuriously smooth cream sauce finished with Parmesan cheese. No fancy techniques. No hard-to-find ingredients. Just classic comfort food done right.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests who appreciate a satisfying homemade meal, this creamy garlic pasta delivers every time.

Why Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Is Always a Win

Cream-based pasta sauces have been loved across cultures for decades, but garlic is the true hero here. When cooked gently, garlic transforms from sharp and pungent into something mellow, aromatic, and slightly sweet. Paired with cream and cheese, it creates a sauce that coats every ridge of penne beautifully.

This recipe is especially popular because:

It’s quick and reliable
It uses pantry-friendly ingredients
It’s customizable with proteins or vegetables
It satisfies comfort-food cravings instantly

Ingredients

Penne pasta
Olive oil
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a wide skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter until melted.
Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown.
Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously.
Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time until fully melted and smooth.
Season with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Tips for the Creamiest Sauce

Always keep the heat low once cream is added to avoid separation
Finely grate Parmesan so it melts smoothly
Pasta water helps emulsify the sauce—don’t skip it
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, not jarred

Delicious Variations

Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon
Veggie Boost: Mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli
Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella or cream cheese
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta pairs beautifully with:

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or toasted baguette
Roasted vegetables
Sparkling water or iced tea

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore silkiness.

A Comfort Food Classic

Creamy garlic pasta doesn’t chase trends—it defines comfort. It’s the kind of recipe you memorize without trying, the one you cook when you want something reliable, soothing, and deeply satisfying. Once you make it, it becomes part of your regular rotation.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

A rich and comforting pasta dish made with tender penne, garlic-infused cream sauce, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Autumn

Calories: 420