The Simple Slim Kitchen 30-day meal planning system
30 DAYS OF MEALS
🍴 MAKE DINNER EASIER
Tired of Figuring Out What to Cook Every Night?
Get 62 simple recipes, a complete 30-day meal plan, weekly shopping lists and easy meal-prep guidance.
Complete Digital System — Just $17
SEE THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN →
Instant digital access • One-time purchase
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta for a Quick Dinner

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta for a Quick Dinner

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the perfect solution for a quick and satisfying dinner. This dish combines al dente penne pasta with a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that clings to each noodle, making every bite irresistible. Topped with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan, this recipe is one you’ll turn to again and again when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy garlic penne pasta is a weeknight favorite for many reasons. It’s simple, quick, and bursting with flavor. Plus, it uses ingredients you likely already have on hand.

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.
  • Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Rich and creamy: A decadent sauce that satisfies your cravings.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with veggies or proteins.
  • Minimal cleanup: One pot and a few utensils are all you need.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat completely. Stir in the black pepper, chopped basil, and salt to taste.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Tips for the Best Results

  • For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be firm to the bite.
  • Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less pasta water.
  • Freshly grated parmesan will give the best flavor and texture compared to pre-grated.

Easy Variations

  • Add sautéed spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrition.
  • Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
  • Swap out the penne for another pasta type like fettuccine or rigatoni.
  • For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.

What to Serve With It

  • A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
  • Garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield/Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Gradually whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat completely. Stir in the black pepper, chopped basil, and salt to taste.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of parmesan.

Notes: For extra flavor, consider adding roasted garlic or sautéed vegetables. Enjoy your creamy garlic penne pasta!

Related Posts

Your Next 30 Days of Meals — Already Planned
The Simple Slim Kitchen
Stop wondering what to cook every night. Get a complete 30-day meal system that makes meals, shopping & prep easier.
✓ 62 Recipes ✓ 30-Day Plan ✓ Shopping Lists ✓ Meal Prep
Get the complete digital system
$37 $17 TODAY
Instant Access  •  One-Time Purchase  •  60-Day Guarantee
GET THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN — $17
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top