Description
This creamy penne pasta recipe features tender pasta tossed in a rich garlic Parmesan cheese sauce with Italian seasoning. It's a comforting and easy weeknight meal ready in just 20 minutes, combining savory flavors with a luscious, thickened cream sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Boil water: In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil and cook the 10 ounces of penne pasta al dente following package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta once cooked.
- Make sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in 1 ½ teaspoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and ⅓ cup chicken broth, whisking continuously for another minute to blend flavors.
- Thicken sauce: Pour in 1 cup heavy whipping cream and whisk for several minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon without becoming gummy.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and remove the skillet from heat.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken slices.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and taste.
- If sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
