Description
A quick and easy recipe for creamy garlic penne pasta that is cheesy, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces Penne pasta (About 12 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (For the garlic base)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil (For the garlic base)
- 5-7 cloves Garlic, minced (More if you love garlic)
- 1 cup Heavy cream (For a creamy sauce)
- 1/2 cup Milk (Any kind works)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (For the sauce)
- 1/2 cup Mozzarella, optional (Makes it extra cheesy)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Or a pinch of oregano and basil)
- to taste Salt and black pepper (For seasoning)
- to taste Red pepper flakes, optional (For a bit of heat)
- 1/2-1 cup Pasta water, reserved (From boiling the penne)
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out about 1 cup of pasta water and set it aside.
Making the Garlic Base
- In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Building the Sauce
- Lower the heat and pour in the cream and milk. Stir in Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
Adding the Cheese
- Gradually stir in parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly. If adding mozzarella, include it now.
Mixing Everything Together
- Add the drained penne to the skillet. Toss well and add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta.
Final Adjustments
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more pepper and a small handful of parmesan if desired.
Notes
For a smooth sauce, keep the heat low after adding cream, grate cheese fresh, and add it slowly while stirring. Use pasta water for the right sauce consistency. If garlic burns, start over with that step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian