This creamy penne pasta dish is easy to make with a rich garlic Parmesan cheese sauce and Italian seasoning. It’s a cozy weeknight meal ready in 20 minutes!
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Everyone needs a simple creamy penne pasta recipe that can be made at a moment’s notice. It’s a rich and creamy comfort food that can be served on it’s own with garlic bread or as a side dish for something like chicken parmesan!
There are so many ways to make a white sauce for pasta, like my Alfredo sauce with cream cheese! This one resembles another white sauce pasta I make, but it’s a bit thicker with heavy whipping cream and Italian seasoning.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Kid-friendly. They love the creamy cheesiness of this penne pasta!
- Versatile. Ready in 20 minutes, as a main, or a side, or with grilled chicken for a variation of creamy chicken pasta.
Ingredients Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Penne pasta: Cooked to al dente in boiling salted water then tossed in the sauce.
- Butter and flour: The base of the sauce helps to thicken it. I use unsalted butter since we’re adding salt and Parmesan cheese has a salty flavor.
- Chicken broth: Use store-bought or homemade chicken broth.
- Italian seasoning: Adds well-balanced and classic Italian flavor to the pasta.
- Heavy cream. You can replace heavy whipping cream with whole milk, but it will change the consistency slightly.
- Parmesan cheese: For best melt and taste, freshly grate your own if you can!
How to Make Creamy Penne Pasta
Make the roux by whisking melted butter and flour. Add minced garlic and chicken broth then whisk for a minute. Pour in whipping cream and whisk until thickened.
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine and then remove it from the heat.
Drain the pasta and toss it in the sauce. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Sometimes all you want is a big bowl of pasta and nothing else. Sometimes a slice of Italian bread or cheesy pesto bread on the side is all it takes on a meatless Monday!
When you do want to round out the meal with protein and veggies, you could serve it with baked chicken breast and a Caesar salad on the side.
A garnish of fresh basil or parsley is always a nice way to finish the dish before serving.
More easy pasta recipes pink sauce pasta, chicken fettuccine Alfredo and tuscan chicken pasta.
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Creamy Penne Pasta
Video
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Boil water: In a large pot of salted water, boil 10 ounces penne noodles al dente according to directions on package
- Make sauce: While pasta is cooking, melt 2 Tablespoons butter into a large skillet over medium high heat. Whisk in 1 1/2 teaspoons flour for about 1 minute. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1/3 cup chicken broth and continue whisking for one more minute. Add 1 cup whipping cream and whisk for a few minutes, until the sauce gets thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick that it's gummy.
- Add cheese and spices: Add 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Stir well and remove from heat.
- Add pasta to sauce: Drain pasta and add to sauce. Toss until well coated.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Reserve some of the pasta water before you drain the pasta. Use it if you need to thin out the sauce. Adding more chicken broth works too.
- Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for heat.
- Finish the dish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten it up!
- Toss in some veggies like cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms or broccoli.
Storage and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Do not freeze.
- Reheat: This penne pasta recipe can be reheated easily in the microwave. You can also use a saucepan on the stove. Keep a splash of cream or broth nearby to help loosen it up as it warms.
Categorized as: 30 Minute Meals, Dinner, Italian, Pasta, Stovetop
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Absolutely delicious! – recipe tester
So glad you loved the creamy penne pasta dish!