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- 12 oz penne pasta - 6 cloves garlic, minced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil I love using penne pasta for this dish. Its shape holds the sauce well. You need 12 ounces of penne for four servings. The garlic packs a punch, so six cloves, minced, will do. Unsalted butter helps create a rich base, and four tablespoons are just right. Olive oil adds depth and flavor, so grab two tablespoons for that. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon Next, we bring in the heat. Use one teaspoon of red pepper flakes, but adjust it based on your spice level. The heavy cream, one cup, gives the dish its creamy texture. For that cheesy goodness, you need one cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Finally, zest one lemon for a fresh twist that brightens the dish. - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish - Salt and black pepper to taste Garnishing makes a meal special. Use two tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped finely. It adds color and freshness. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. Season to taste for the best flavor. These ingredients come together to make a comforting meal that feels fancy, just like in a restaurant. {{ingredient_image_1}} To boil pasta perfectly, start with a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rapid boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for "al dente," which means it should be firm to bite. When it's ready, drain it well but save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and will help the sauce stick. In a large skillet, mix unsalted butter and olive oil. Heat them over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic smells great and turns lightly golden. Be careful: burned garlic tastes bitter. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. Pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce slightly. Next, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it well until the cheese melts and creates a creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, don’t worry. You can always adjust it later. Now, add the cooked penne to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the creamy garlic sauce well. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. This will make the sauce smoother. Season it with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in lemon zest for a fresh flavor. For presentation, divide the penne into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley and more grated Parmesan cheese if you like. This makes the dish look even better! To make your garlic penne pop, try adding more spices. A pinch of oregano or basil gives great depth. If you love heat, toss in more red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs can brighten your dish. Fresh parsley or basil can lift flavors better than dried. Use them at the end for the best taste. Cream-based sauces can turn gritty if not cooked right. Always keep the heat low when adding cream. This helps it blend smoothly. Stir often to avoid sticking. If you want a creamy texture, add the cheese slowly. Let it melt into the sauce for richness without lumps. When serving, use shallow bowls for a nice look. Top each serving with extra Parmesan and parsley. A sprinkle of lemon zest adds color and flavor. Pair your penne with a simple green salad. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, goes well too. It enhances the garlic without overpowering it. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. Always opt for fresh! Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to add more or less red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. You can also substitute with a milder pepper for less heat. Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish's flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness. Leftover Pasta Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily enhance your garlic penne with protein. Consider adding grilled chicken for a hearty meal. Just slice the cooked chicken and toss it in with the pasta. Shrimp is another great option. Sauté the shrimp in the garlic base until pink, then mix them in. If you're looking for vegetarian choices, try adding chickpeas or tofu for a good protein boost. Both will soak up the flavors well. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands make great gluten-free options that taste just as good. For a vegan twist, use plant-based cream instead of heavy cream. You can also swap the Parmesan cheese for a vegan cheese alternative. These small changes let everyone enjoy this dish without worry. Want to mix things up? Adding vegetables can elevate your dish. Fresh spinach can wilt nicely in the sauce. Sundried tomatoes also add a burst of flavor. Toss them in when you mix the pasta with the sauce. Experimenting with cheese can change the taste too. Try using goat cheese or a sharp cheddar for a unique flavor. Each option adds a special touch to your garlic penne. To keep your garlic penne fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help the sauce stay creamy. Stir often to heat evenly. Avoid the microwave if you want the best taste. If you want to freeze garlic penne, cool it first. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. When ready, reheat in a skillet. Add a bit of cream or pasta water to restore the sauce's texture. In the fridge, garlic penne lasts about 3 to 5 days. Keep an eye on it to ensure it stays fresh. Look for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or mold. If you see these signs, it’s best to throw the pasta away. Garlic penne pairs well with many sides. Here are some options: - Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and creamy dressing add freshness. - Garlic Bread: More garlic is never a bad idea! It’s perfect for mopping up sauce. - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients. - Roasted Asparagus: This adds a nice crunch and earthy flavor. - Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes and mozzarella give a bright, tangy contrast. Yes! You can prep this dish in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook the Pasta: You can cook the penne, but don’t mix it with the sauce yet. - Make the Sauce: Prepare the garlic cream sauce ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Combine Later: When ready to eat, warm the sauce and add cooked penne. This helps keep the pasta fresh. If you love heat, here’s how to spice it up: - Increase Red Pepper Flakes: Add more flakes to the garlic base. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce in the cream sauce. - Fresh Jalapeños: Chop and sauté them with the garlic for a fresh kick. - Spicy Cheese: Use pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for added heat. These simple changes will make your garlic penne even more exciting! In this blog post, we explored making delicious garlic penne pasta. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and handy tips. You now know how to make a creamy sauce and enhance flavors with simple add-ins. Remember to customize this dish with proteins or veggies to fit your taste. Store leftovers properly for the best experience later. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Happy eating!

Garlic Lover's Penne Delight

A creamy and flavorful penne pasta dish infused with garlic and topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
  • 1 Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Prepare the Garlic Base: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden (be careful not to burn it!).
  • Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing it in the garlic cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until reaching desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Finish: Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest for a zesty kick.
  • Garnish and Serve: Divide the penne into serving bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Keyword creamy, garlic, parmesan, pasta