Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne Pasta is rich, silky, and deeply savory—made with fragrant garlic, nutty Parmesan, and a light Mediterranean-style cream sauce. It’s comforting yet elegant, non-spicy, and perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy weekend meal.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Pasta
300 g penne pasta
Salt (for pasta water)
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup cooking cream or half-and-half
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Salt to taste
¼ tsp dried Italian herbs or thyme
Optional Add-ins
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Sautéed mushrooms or spinach
Grilled chicken or shrimp
Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Boil penne in well-salted water until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Sauté Garlic
Heat olive oil and butter in a wide pan over low–medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté 30–40 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
Make the Sauce
Pour in cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Stir in black pepper and herbs.
Gradually add Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Combine
Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust salt.
Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.
Notes & Tips
Keep heat low when adding Parmesan to avoid graininess.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best.
Pasta water helps create a silky restaurant-style sauce.
Naturally mild and kid-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it lighter?
Yes—use half cream + half milk or replace cream with Greek yogurt (off heat).
Can I make it vegan?
Use plant cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 17 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fat: 26 g
Fiber: 3g