Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne pasta
Creamy Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For Serving
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until just fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.
- Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic in the skillet. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste and form a smooth, bubbling paste.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk and then the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce begins to thicken slightly and is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes velvety and rich.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss well until all the pasta is thoroughly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you may use half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
- Swap penne with any short pasta shape like rigatoni or ziti if desired.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
- Grate your own Parmesan for the best flavor and melting.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated with a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
