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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish with a flavorful garlic-infused sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens slightly.
  4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and pasta water, allowing the sauce to thicken further. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
  6. Optionally sprinkle with red pepper flakes for some heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more Parmesan cheese to the mixture.
  • Pair with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
  • To make it a protein-packed dish, add grilled chicken or shrimp.

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