Description
Craving comfort food fast? This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is your go-to solution for a quick dinner, easy recipe, or last-minute food ideas that taste like fine dining. Coated in a velvety garlic-parmesan cream sauce and loaded with stretchy mozzarella, it’s the perfect blend of richness and simplicity. Whether you’re after quick breakfast ideas turned savory or hearty dinner ideas that come together in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers flavor, warmth, and satisfaction every single time.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
3 tablespoons butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Lower the heat and add heavy cream. Stir and let it warm through for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Slowly whisk in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
5. Toss the cooked penne into the skillet and coat evenly with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer together for another 2–3 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Add extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.
Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it helps adjust sauce consistency.
Reheat gently with added cream or milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, garlic pasta, quick pasta, cheesy pasta