Creamy Penne Pasta
The ultimate comfort food, Creamy Penne Pasta is rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. With its velvety sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the easy weeknight dinner you’ve been craving. Make it tonight for a delicious meal!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Grater
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 10 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 teaspoons flour
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Boil water: In a large pot of salted water, bring approximately 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add 10 ounces of penne pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually around 10 to 12 minutes. The water should be bubbling vigorously to ensure even cooking.
- Make sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of flour. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux that will thicken your sauce.
- Add the garlic: Stir in 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. You want the garlic to be aromatic but not browned, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Incorporate broth: Pour in ⅓ cup of chicken broth and continue whisking for another minute. This not only adds flavor but also helps to deglaze the pan, picking up any bits stuck to the bottom.
- Whisk in cream: Gradually add 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, whisking continuously. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon without being too gummy.
- Add seasoning: Stir in ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Mix well and remove the skillet from heat.
- Add cheese: Stir in ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. The cheese will add a wonderful flavor and creaminess.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Once the penne pasta is cooked, drain it well and add it directly to the sauce in the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve hot: Plate the Creamy Penne Pasta immediately, garnishing with extra parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Notes
- Tip 1: To store leftovers, let the Creamy Penne Pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Tip 2: When reheating, do so gradually over low heat on the stovetop. Adding a little water or broth helps to revive the creaminess of the sauce.
- Tip 3: While it's best fresh, you can freeze Creamy Penne Pasta for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Tip 4: This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Tip 5: Feel free to switch up the cheese; using a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheese can add a wonderful flavor and texture.