There are two types of pasta lovers, the ones that like their pasta with tomato-based sauces and those that like creamy pasta recipes. If you are among the second group, you will definitely love this creamy, garlicky, and easy penne pasta recipe.
Penne noodles or penne pasta are great with any sauce. They’re robust enough to hold anything.
This recipe comes together really quickly, so have all your ingredients ready. If you are looking for penne pasta recipes, be sure to try this one. Here are some other short pasta recipes:
- Shrimp Alfredo Bake Recipe
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake Recipe
- Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta Recipe
How To Make Creamy Penne Pasta?
Get all your ingredients prepped and ready because this dish comes together really quickly.
- Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and return it to the pot. Mix in about a teaspoon or two of olive oil to keep it from sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and saute the minced garlic for about a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic or the butter.
- Mix in the flour and let it cook for another minute.
- Carefully whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Make sure to mix everything well to prevent lumps.
- Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, half of the parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce until thickened.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir until fully covered with the sauce and add the rest of the parmesan cheese. Serve while hot.
Serving Suggestions
My family loves this pasta served with roasted chicken and salad. You can serve it with grilled chicken breast and steamed veggies as well.
If you want to make this a one-pot meal, add cooked chicken breast cubes and broccoli to the sauce before mixing the pasta. Shrimp is also a great addition to this creamy penne pasta.
Take a look at these recipes for inspiration: Marry Me Chicken Recipe, and Best Melt in Your Mouth Chicken Recipe, are both great served with creamy garlic pasta!
What To Do With Leftovers?
Store your leftover pasta in an airtight container and in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a bit of milk to it before placing it in the microwave for a couple of minutes.
You can also reheat it on the stovetop in a skillet or saucepan. Just remember to add a bit of milk to it as this sauce will thicken when cold.
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons of butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese divided
Instructions
- Cook and drain pasta. Add a teaspoon of oil to keep it from sticking.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter and saute the garlic for about a minute.
- Mix in the flour and cook it for another minute.
- Whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Add in the red pepper flakes, half of the parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- To the sauce, add the cooked pasta and the rest of the parmesan cheese. Serve while hot.