Creamy Garlic Penne with Parmesan and Herbs

Introduction

Creamy Garlic Penne with Parmesan and Herbs is the definition of comfort food done right — a luscious, velvety sauce packed with the flavors of fresh garlic, butter, and Italian herbs, coating every piece of tender penne pasta.

It’s a dish that’s simultaneously simple and luxurious. The creamy Parmesan sauce has just the right balance of richness and tang, while the herbs add freshness and fragrance. Whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner or an elegant side for grilled chicken or seafood, this pasta never fails to impress.

This recipe brings together the essence of Italian-style home cooking — minimal ingredients, quick preparation, and an unforgettable, soul-warming flavor.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore this recipe because it perfectly balances comfort and sophistication. The combination of garlic butter and Parmesan cream sauce feels indulgent, yet the dish remains beautifully light thanks to the freshness of herbs like parsley, basil, and thyme.

It’s incredibly easy to make — ready in less than 30 minutes — and requires only basic pantry ingredients. Despite its simplicity, it tastes like something from a fine Italian trattoria. The aroma of sautéed garlic and melted butter fills the kitchen with warmth, and the creamy sauce clings to the penne in the most satisfying way.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this dish because it’s:

• Fast and foolproof — ready in under 30 minutes.
• Rich yet balanced — creamy without being heavy.
• Customizable — add veggies, chicken, shrimp, or keep it vegetarian.
• Crowd-pleasing — perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.

If you love garlic, cheese, and pasta (and who doesn’t?), this dish will easily become one of your go-to favorites.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings

• Serves 4 people

Calories (per serving)

• Approximately 510–550 kcal

Cuisine

• Italian / Italian-American Fusion

Course

• Main Course / Dinner / Side Dish

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 300 g (10 oz) penne pasta
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or half milk + half cream for richness)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Simple Cooking Directions

Cook penne until al dente, make a creamy garlic butter sauce with milk, Parmesan, and herbs, then toss everything together for a rich, aromatic, and satisfying pasta in just 30 minutes.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Penne

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Base

1. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant (do not brown).
3. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
2. Add heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3–4 minutes).
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
4. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and velvety.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

1. Add the cooked penne into the sauce.
2. Toss well to coat every piece of pasta evenly.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs and Serve

1. Stir in parsley and basil for a burst of freshness.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and herbs on top.

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Garlic Penne with Parmesan and Herbs warm, straight from the pan.

Perfect Pairings:

• A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
• Garlic bread or herb focaccia.
• A light side salad with lemon vinaigrette.

It also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook garlic: It can turn bitter quickly — sauté just until fragrant.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
• Control the thickness: Adjust sauce consistency with milk or pasta water as needed.
• For extra flavor: Add a dash of white wine after sautéing garlic before adding milk.
• Herb balance: Fresh herbs add brightness — don’t skip them!

Variations

1. Chicken Alfredo Penne: Add grilled or shredded chicken to make it heartier.
2. Shrimp Garlic Penne: Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
3. Mushroom Penne: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
4. Spinach Garlic Penne: Stir in fresh spinach for a touch of color and nutrition.
5. Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Freezing and Storage

Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

Freezing:

• Not ideal due to dairy separation, but if necessary, freeze for up to 1 month.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove with added milk or cream.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use other pasta types?
Yes! Fettuccine, rigatoni, or spaghetti also work well.

Q2: Can I make it lighter?
Use half milk and half low-fat cream or substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream.

Q3: Why did my sauce get grainy?
It can happen if Parmesan was added too early or the heat was too high. Always lower the heat before stirring in cheese.

Q4: Can I make it ahead?
Yes — make the sauce, refrigerate separately, and reheat gently before adding fresh pasta.

Q5: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Broccoli, peas, cherry tomatoes, or spinach make great additions.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Penne with Parmesan and Herbs is the ultimate comfort pasta — a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness with the freshness of herbs. It’s indulgent yet easy, familiar yet elegant.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this dish offers a moment of pure comfort in every bite. Serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a glass of wine, and you’ve got an effortlessly delicious meal that never fails to please.