If rich comfort food is calling your name, let me introduce you to Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta. Imagine plump penne noodles swathed in a velvety, garlic-forward cream sauce, with nutty Asiago cheese adding depth in every forkful. This is the kind of pasta that makes a weeknight feel special or adds a whisper of decadence to a quiet gathering. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta delivers serious restaurant vibes—without leaving your kitchen.

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta lies in its simplicity, where each ingredient plays a starring role. From the robust kick of fresh garlic to the dreamy cream and bright finish of Asiago, these ingredients come together for a luscious, cohesive pasta dish you’ll crave again and again.

Olive oil: Adds a fruity, savory base flavor while helping prevent the butter from burning.
Unsalted butter: Infuses richness and balances out the pungency of the garlic.
Garlic cloves (minced): The true hero—you want them fresh for maximum aroma and flavor.
Heavy cream: Creates the sauce’s luxuriously silky texture and body.
All-purpose flour: Blends with water to form a quick roux, ensuring the sauce thickens beautifully without lumps.
Water: Used with flour to make a smooth slurry that seamlessly incorporates into the cream.
Shredded Asiago cheese: Offers bold, nutty flavor and helps the sauce turn irresistibly creamy.
Penne pasta (cooked al dente): The classic choice—the ridged noodles hold onto the sauce like a dream.
Salt (to taste): Brings all the flavors into balance—taste as you go!

How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once that buttery fragrance fills your kitchen, toss in the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Sauté the garlic gently for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it’s soft and aromatic but not browned. This slow cooking infuses the oil and butter with tons of garlicky goodness.

Step 2: Create the Sauce Base

Next, pour the heavy cream right into the skillet. Give everything a good swirl, then slide the pan off the heat—just for a moment! Mix your flour and water together in a small bowl to form a lump-free slurry, then whisk it steadily into the cream. This step ensures your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta sauce thickens without any pesky clumps. Place the skillet back over medium heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring now and then as it transforms into a rich, luscious sauce.

Step 3: Incorporate the Cheese

When your sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon, it’s time to dial up the deliciousness. Add the shredded Asiago cheese and stir until it fully melts into the sauce. The result? A gorgeously smooth, cheesy blanket that smells so inviting, you’ll barely be able to wait for the next step.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

Add your al dente cooked penne right into the skillet, and toss everything together until every tube is glossy and lavishly coated. Taste and season with a bit more salt if needed. This is when the magic truly happens: Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta comes together right before your eyes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Spoon creamy heaps of pasta into warm bowls and finish with extra shredded Asiago or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Take a second to admire your masterpiece—then grab a fork and dig in while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Garnishes

The classic garnish for Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is a flurry of freshly grated Asiago cheese, with perhaps a touch of cracked black pepper or finely chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. If you love a little heat, try a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle warmth without overpowering the garlic and cream.

Side Dishes

Pair this dreamy pasta with something crisp and bright to cut the richness—a peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect, or go for rustic roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Serving with a warm hunk of crusty bread is also highly encouraged for mopping up every drop of that incredible sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated presentation, serve Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta in individual shallow bowls with a dramatic drizzle of olive oil and a scatter of microgreens. Hosting dinner? Plate the pasta family-style on a large platter and let everyone help themselves—just don’t forget a wedge of fresh lemon on the side for those who like a bright finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the sauce may thicken as it sits.

Freezing

Cream-based sauces can be a little tricky to freeze, as they sometimes separate upon thawing. That said, if you need to freeze Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, let it cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and enjoy within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their creamy prime, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or cream, stirring often until the sauce smooths out. Add a sprinkle of cheese if you’d like to refresh that signature flavor and richness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic and holds the sauce beautifully, you can use any short, sturdy pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or even farfalle for a fun twist.

Is it possible to make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is already meatless, so just check your Asiago cheese to ensure it’s made with vegetarian-friendly rennet if that’s a concern for you.

What can I add for more protein?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon bits are all delicious protein options that pair wonderfully with the creamy garlic sauce. Stir them in just before serving so they stay juicy and flavorful.

Can I substitute a different cheese for Asiago?

If you can’t find Asiago, try Parmesan, Romano, or even Gruyère—they’ll all contribute a slightly different but equally delicious character to your Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta.

How can I make the dish lighter?

For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream or use a combo of milk and cream. The sauce will be a bit less thick and rich, but still very tasty!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is one of those recipes that never fails to please—simple, satisfying, and full of flavor. Give it a try and make it your own; I think you’ll discover it brings a little extra joy to the table each and every time.