One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

I’m absolutely in love with this One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe because it’s the perfect combination of rich, buttery garlic flavor and silky smooth sauce, all tossed effortlessly with tender penne. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet comforting, and I find myself making it again and again when I want something quick but unforgettable. The ease and elegance of this creamy pasta always impresses any crowd, making it my go-to when friends pop over or I just want to treat myself to something special without a lot of fuss.

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

What truly wins me over with this recipe is the deep garlicky richness that balances perfectly with the creamy Parmesan sauce. The flavors meld beautifully so every bite feels like a warm hug. The garlic isn’t overpowering but lends the pasta an irresistible aromatic depth, making it anything but ordinary. I especially adore how the parsley flakes add a subtle freshness to cut through the creaminess, making every forkful lively and satisfying.

Another reason I’m head over heels for this One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe is how incredibly straightforward it is to prepare. I love dishes where I don’t have to tend to a million pots and pans—and here, even though you cook the pasta separately, the sauce comes together beautifully in one pan, saving me cleanup time and kitchen stress. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something comforting but fast. Plus, it’s a versatile crowd-pleaser that works wonderfully for casual family meals or even last-minute gatherings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, and every ingredient plays a vital role. Each one adds a layer to the flavor, texture, or visual appeal, creating a harmonious dish that feels both luxurious and homemade. I always tell my friends that with just a few pantry staples, you can create something incredible.

• Penne pasta: The perfect tubular shape to soak up that creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and helps mellow the garlic’s bite while creating a luscious base for the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that aromatic punch and depth of flavor.
• Flour: This thickens the sauce, giving it that velvety texture that clings to every piece of pasta.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory complexity and balances the creaminess without weighing it down.
• Whole milk: Creates a creamy consistency that is indulgent but light enough to enjoy in generous portions.
• Parsley flakes: Bring a hint of herbal brightness and a pop of color to the dish.
• Fresh grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce to provide sharp, nutty flavor and a silky finish.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the elements and seasoning the dish just right.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, making sure it stays just al dente for that perfect bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta, set it aside, and keep it warm—this step is crucial for creating the best texture.

Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter until it’s fully bubbly. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1½ minutes, stirring constantly to infuse the butter without burning the garlic.

Step 3: Sprinkle in the flour and continue cooking, stirring constantly for another 1½ minutes. This helps cook out the raw flour taste while building the base for a creamy roux.

Step 4: Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking energetically. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble gently—this will take a few minutes, but patience here rewards you with a silky sauce.

Step 5: Stir in the parsley flakes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes perfectly smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the sauce until every piece is well coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it slightly for that ideal clingy consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if you like.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 hearty servings, ideal for a family meal or sharing with friends. Prep time is minimal, around 5 minutes, with a cook time of about 10 minutes since the pasta cooks separately. The total time from start to finish is roughly 15 minutes, making it a fantastic quick meal option. There’s no resting or cooling time needed—you’ll want to serve it hot and fresh for the best cheesy, garlicky experience.

How to Serve This One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

I love serving this creamy garlic penne alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, make a fantastic complement, adding a touch of freshness and texture contrast. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp are my favorite protein pairings—they soak up the sauce beautifully.

When it comes to garnishing, I keep it simple and elegant. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves adds a vibrant color pop, along with an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for eye-catching appeal. For plating, I like to serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce and encourage twirling, and portion sizes around a generous cup per serving feel just right for satisfying appetites.

Beverage-wise, I find a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the creamy garlic notes. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a light iced herbal tea keeps things refreshing. This dish shines at weeknight family dinners, cozy date nights, or casual dinner parties—it’s versatile, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser served piping hot.

Variations

If you want to put a personal spin on this One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe, I’ve found a few tweaks that work wonderfully. You can easily swap out the penne with gluten-free pasta varieties to make it more inclusive, or substitute the whole milk with plant-based milks like oat or almond for a lighter or dairy-free version—just keep in mind it might change the richness slightly.

Flavor-wise, I love experimenting by adding sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cooked spinach for extra layers of texture and color. For a hint of spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce wakes everything up pleasantly. If you want to change up the protein, crispy pancetta or cooked Italian sausage stirred in add a savory punch that transforms the dish for special occasions.

When I’m short on time, I sometimes cook the pasta directly in the sauce (though you’ll need to add more liquid and a bit extra cook time), creating an even simpler one-pot meal with slightly different texture. Regardless of the approach, this recipe practically invites creativity and personalization while staying reliably delicious.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate it promptly. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, which is great for quick lunches or next-day dinners. I avoid using glass containers with loose-fitting lids to keep the sauce from drying out too much—plastic containers with tight seals do a great job preserving the creaminess.

Freezing

Freezing creamy pasta dishes can be a bit tricky since dairy-based sauces sometimes separate upon thawing. I generally recommend enjoying this One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe fresh or refrigerated. However, if you do want to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe airtight containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to help maintain the best texture.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer warming the pasta gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out or curdling. Avoid boiling the reheated pasta—gentle warmth is the key to preserving that smooth, indulgent sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works perfectly to catch the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer—fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the pasta’s package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish vegan?

Yes, by swapping the butter for vegan margarine, using a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and replacing Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast, you can enjoy a creamy, garlicky vegan pasta that’s still flavorful and satisfying.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water with a little extra seasoning. While broth adds depth, it’s not mandatory—just adjust salt and pepper to taste as needed.

Can I prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and make the sauce in advance, but I recommend combining them right before serving to keep the pasta from becoming too soft. If you do mix them early, adding a bit of reserved pasta water or milk when reheating helps refresh the texture.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicy kick, I like adding a pinch or two of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic in butter or stirring in a dash of hot sauce at the end. This balances nicely with the creamy richness and garlic flavor.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe a try—it’s one of those effortless dishes I can’t get enough of, and I think you’ll feel the same. It’s delicious, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for any occasion where you want to enjoy a rich, homemade meal with minimal fuss. Once you’ve tasted that creamy, garlicky goodness wrapped around tender pasta, this will become a staple you reach for time and time again.

Print