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Close-up of a white bowl filled with rich Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, garnished with black pepper and fresh parsley.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

I made this Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta for my family on a weeknight after a long day. As the garlic cooked and the aroma filled the air, my kids gathered around. When they tasted it, they said it was the best pasta ever. This recipe shows you can make a satisfying meal quickly.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 191
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 16 ounce penne about 4 cups
Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1 to taste garlic salt with parsley flakes or salt to taste
  • 1 to taste pepper
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional Parmesan cheese, optional

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Pot for pasta

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  3. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more.
  4. Add the milk and broth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce boils and thickens, which takes about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to combine everything. Add the mozzarella and stir until it melts. Serve the pasta warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 191kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 9gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 512mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 251mgIron: 0.3mg

Notes

When you add flour to the butter, cook it long enough so it does not taste like raw flour. To make the sauce smooth, pour the milk slowly while whisking constantly. You can add grilled chicken, chicken sausage, diced ham, or shrimp to make this dish heartier. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove. You might need to add a little extra milk to smooth the sauce when reheating.

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