Parmesan Penne
Creamy, decadent, and bursting with bold flavors, Parmesan Penne is the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make. This indulgent pasta dish features tender penne coated in a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce, enriched with heavy cream, melted butter, and a hint of garlic for depth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness, while a dash of black pepper enhances the creamy richness. Perfect for busy weeknights or intimate dinner gatherings, this 30-minute recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread. Whether you’re craving classic Italian-inspired flavors or looking for an effortless dish that feels gourmet, Parmesan Penne delivers a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- as needed water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream slightly thickens.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to avoid clumping. Let the cheese melt completely, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine, ensuring every piece is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and give it a final toss.
Serve the Parmesan penne immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3052 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.2 g | 207% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.2 g | 441% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 422 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 3309 mg | 144% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 295.7 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 98.9 g | 198% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1357 mg | 104% | |
| Iron | 15.1 mg | 84% | |
| Potassium | 908 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
