Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A delicious creamy penne pasta recipe featuring al dente pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, garnished with fresh basil for a perfect Italian-inspired meal.

Creamy Penne Pasta Recipe

Indulge in a bowl of Creamy Penne Pasta, a comforting, rich dish with a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners. Customize with your favorite proteins or veggies for a delicious twist!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 bowls of pasta 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients to Enhance Flavor

  • 1 cup baby spinach (for added nutrition)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a tangy twist)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp (for a protein boost)
  • ½ cup ricotta or mozzarella cheese (for extra creaminess)

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Make the Sauce Base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a light roux.
  4. Add Liquid Ingredients: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Incorporate Cheese: Stir in ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese and mix well until the sauce is smooth. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the perfect consistency.
  7. Add Final Touches: Stir in the chopped parsley and the remaining Parmesan cheese. If using optional ingredients like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, add them now and let them wilt.
  8. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve hot!

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and add mushrooms or zucchini.
  • To make the sauce even creamier, mix in a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating Tip: Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to maintain the creamy consistency.
  • Author: Chef Yum
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 servings
  • Calories: 491 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 453 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 66 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 51 mg

Keywords: creamy penne pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian pasta, homemade pasta sauce