Creamy Penne Pasta
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of rich, silky pasta that clings to every forkful and tastes like a warm kitchen hug. This Creamy Penne Pasta is exactly that kind of dish—simple, elegant, and reliably satisfying. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together quickly, so it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a small, cozy gathering. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is straightforward and indulgent without being fussy.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Creamy Penne Pasta strikes a beautiful balance between deep, savory flavors and a luxuriously smooth sauce. A few reasons it’s become a favorite:
- Minimal ingredients: This recipe uses a short list of components, most of which you probably already have on hand.
- Fast and forgiving: It comes together in about 20–25 minutes and is forgiving if you’re juggling pots and pans.
- Freshly grated cheese: Using freshly grated parmesan gives the sauce a brighter, creamier finish compared with pre-grated varieties.
- Comforting texture: The heavy whipping cream and butter create a luscious mouthfeel that coats each penne perfectly.
Ingredients
Serves 2–3 as a main course.
- 10 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ 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
Quick note about ingredients
All ingredients listed are chosen for their familiar flavors and accessibility. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with a vegetable broth of similar strength—this will keep the same savory backbone without changing the proportions listed. The measurements above are exact and should be followed for a reliably creamy sauce.
Equipment you’ll need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
- Box grater for the parmesan (for best flavor)
Step-by-step directions
Below are clear, sequential steps to make this Creamy Penne Pasta. I’ve rewritten the directions to be concise and easy to follow while preserving the original order and ingredient quantities.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 10 ounces penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 Tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and begins to foam.
- Add 3 cloves garlic, minced, to the skillet and sauté for 30–45 seconds, just until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent the garlic from browning.
- Sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons flour over the butter and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook the flour and form a light roux. The mixture should be smooth and lightly bubbling but not browned.
- Gradually pour in ⅓ cup chicken broth while whisking or stirring briskly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the broth is fully incorporated and the mixture starts to thicken slightly.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir to combine, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Lower the heat and simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens noticeably and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta in the sauce until all pieces are evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated, until melted and the sauce becomes glossy and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve the Creamy Penne Pasta immediately, garnished with an extra sprinkle of parmesan if desired. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2–3 days and gently reheated with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Troubleshooting and tips
- If the sauce separates or becomes oily, lower the heat and stir in a small splash of cream or reserved pasta water until it emulsifies again.
- For a lighter sauce, reduce the heavy whipping cream to ¾ cup and stir in ¼ cup of milk, but be aware this will slightly thin the texture.
- Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated options because it lacks anti-caking agents, so grate your cheese just before use when possible.
- Don’t overcook the penne. Al dente pasta picks up the sauce better and avoids becoming mushy after tossing.
Serving suggestions
This Creamy Penne Pasta is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few pairing ideas to dress it up or tailor it to the occasion:
- Green salad: A crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta.
- Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or charred cherry tomatoes tossed in add color and nutrition.
- Protein: For more substance, add grilled chicken breast slices, pan-seared shrimp, or cubes of roasted tofu warmed through in the sauce.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Make-ahead and storage
You can make the sauce and pasta separately ahead of time and combine them when you’re ready to eat. Store cooked pasta and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. When reheating, warm the sauce gently in a skillet over low heat and add a tablespoon or two of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen it before adding the pasta.
Nutrition notes
This recipe is indulgent due to its use of butter and heavy whipping cream, which contribute to its characteristic creamy texture and mouthfeel. Parmesan cheese adds savory depth and a salty finish, so start with the stated ½ cup and adjust to taste. If you’re monitoring dietary intake, consider serving smaller portions alongside a generous vegetable side to balance the meal.
Flavor variations
Want to tweak the flavor profile? Try one of these small changes to personalize your bowl:
- Herb-forward: Add a tablespoon of chopped fresh basil or parsley at the end for brightness.
- Spicy kick: Stir in ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes while you sauté the garlic for a little heat.
- Umami boost: Mix 1–2 teaspoons of tomato paste into the roux before adding the broth for a deeper, rounded flavor.
Final thoughts
This Creamy Penne Pasta recipe is a dependable weeknight winner and an ideal canvas for simple upgrades. The steps are designed to be approachable: cook the penne, build a quick roux with butter and flour, add the liquid components, simmer until silky, and finish with freshly grated parmesan. The result is a luscious, comforting dish that feels special with very little effort. Keep the ingredient amounts as listed for the best balance of creaminess and flavor, and enjoy a bowl that’s warm, satisfying, and deeply comforting.
Happy cooking! May your kitchen smell of garlic and butter, and may every bite of this Creamy Penne Pasta bring a little extra comfort to your table.
Creamy Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 10 ounces penne until al dente according to package directions, then reserve a little pasta water and drain.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Whisk in 1 1/2 teaspoons flour and cook about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/3 cup chicken broth, whisking for about 1 minute until combined.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2–3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add the drained penne to the sauce and toss to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken for a more protein packed meal.
