Garlic Lover's Penne Delight

$- 12 oz penne pasta - 6 cloves garlic, finely minced - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon When I make this garlic penne, I always start with the main ingredients. The penne pasta is my base. It has the right shape to hold the sauce. I use 12 ounces for four servings. I finely mince six cloves of garlic. This adds depth and flavor. The unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil help create a rich sauce. I use four tablespoons of butter and two tablespoons of oil to ensure a smooth mix. Next, I focus on the additional ingredients. I love a bit of heat, so I add one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can adjust this to fit your taste. The heavy cream gives the sauce a creamy texture. I use one cup for that perfect richness. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. One cup of cheese makes it extra special. I finish with two tablespoons of fresh parsley for color and freshness. For seasoning, I add salt and black pepper to taste. I also use the zest of one lemon. This brightens the dish and balances the creaminess. Every bite should be flavorful and inviting. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This salt will help flavor the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, add the 12 oz of penne pasta. Cook it for about 11-12 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta but keep about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for now. Next, grab a spacious skillet. Combine 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Wait for the mixture to get hot. Then, add 6 finely minced cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté this mix for about 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring to avoid burning the garlic. You want it to turn a light golden color and smell amazing. Now, carefully pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet. Stir it well to mix it with the garlic and oil. Let the cream simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This will help it thicken a bit. Slowly add in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce. Time to bring it all together! Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce. You want each piece to be well coated. If the sauce looks too thick, add a little of that reserved pasta water. Do this slowly until you reach the creamy consistency you like. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Once everything is mixed, remove the skillet from the heat. Fold in the zest of 1 lemon. This adds a bright flavor that makes the dish pop. Now, it's ready to serve! Divide the penne into bowls. For a nice touch, top with finely chopped fresh parsley. You can also sprinkle more grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your delicious Restaurant Style Garlic Penne! - Choosing the right pasta: Use penne pasta for this dish. Its shape holds the creamy sauce well. Other shapes, like fettuccine, may not work as nicely. - Importance of pasta water: Always save some pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. It also adjusts the sauce's thickness, making it creamy and smooth. - Adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes: Start with one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, add more to suit your taste. This spice adds a nice kick. - Variations in cheese types: While Parmesan is great, you can try Pecorino Romano or Asiago. Each brings a unique flavor to the dish. Mix and match to find your perfect combination. - Best serving dishes: Serve the penne in wide, shallow bowls. This makes the dish look elegant and allows the sauce to shine. - Adding fresh herbs for garnish: Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can also use basil or chives for a different twist. Pro Tips Fresh Garlic Matters: Always opt for fresh garlic instead of pre-minced. The flavor is significantly better and adds a depth that jarred garlic cannot match. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne al dente. This ensures it holds its shape and texture when combined with the creamy sauce. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water gradually. It not only thins the sauce but also helps it cling to the pasta better. Garnish for Color: Adding fresh parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also balances the richness of the dish with its fresh flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily make garlic penne vegetarian. To do this, replace cream with a plant-based option, like coconut cream or cashew cream. This change keeps the dish creamy without using dairy. Adding fresh veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Try spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers. They add color and taste to your meal. For a heartier dish, add protein. You can sauté chicken or shrimp in the garlic base. This step enhances the flavor and makes the meal filling. If you prefer a plant-based choice, tofu works well. Cube the tofu and sauté it until golden. Both options match nicely with the creamy sauce. Want to switch things up? Consider alternative sauces. A creamy pesto sauce brings a fresh, herbal note. Simply mix in store-bought or homemade pesto with the cream. If you like tomato, a tomato-based sauce is a great choice. Use crushed tomatoes and herbs to make a light, tangy sauce. This option brings a new twist to your garlic penne. To keep your garlic penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. This dish can last in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. For best results, reheat your garlic penne in a skillet. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat over medium-low, stirring often. This way, you avoid overcooking the pasta. If you use a microwave, cover it with a lid to trap steam. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. To freeze garlic penne, let it cool completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it the same way you would for leftovers. Add a bit of cream or reserved pasta water to regain the creamy texture. To make garlic penne gluten-free, you can use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer this option made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Cook it just like regular penne. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Always check the labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Store the pasta and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat them on the stove or in a microwave before serving. Garlic penne pairs well with several side dishes. Here are some great options: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. - Garlic bread for extra flavor and crunch. - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. To adjust the spice level, you can change the amount of red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon. Taste the sauce and add more if needed. If it gets too spicy, add more cream or cheese to tone it down. This garlic penne recipe is simple and fun. We explored key ingredients, from pasta to Parmesan. You learned how to cook the dish step-by-step, plus tips for taste and presentation. Make it your own with variations or add proteins. Store leftovers right and enjoy them later. Whether you want a cozy meal or a special dish, garlic penne fits the bill. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking!$

Garlic Lover's Penne Delight

A creamy and flavorful penne pasta dish infused with garlic and topped with Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped for garnish
1 zest lemon

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water, then add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, typically around 11-12 minutes, or until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta but remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.
Prepare the Garlic Base: In a spacious skillet, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Sauté this mixture gently for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes fragrant and the garlic turns a light golden color, ensuring you stir frequently to prevent burning.
Make the Sauce: Carefully pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Allow the cream to simmer for approximately 2-3 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it fully melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the garlic cream sauce. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. If the sauce appears overly thick, slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creamy consistency is achieved. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.
Finish the Dish: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the lemon zest, which will add a delightful brightness to the dish.
Garnish and Serve: Serve the penne pasta by dividing it into individual bowls. Top with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and, if desired, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over each portion.

Notes

For an elegant finish, consider serving in white bowls to showcase the vibrant flavors, and add a lemon wedge on the side for an extra touch of freshness.

Keyword creamy, garlic, Parmesan, pasta