Indulge in the creamy decadence of Penne Alla Panna, a classic Italian pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This comforting recipe features tender penne pasta coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic depth. The sauce is enriched with sautéed garlic, butter, and olive oil, creating a luxurious texture that clings to every bite. Simple yet elegant, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for effortless indulgence. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation that will leave your guests craving seconds. Whether you're hosting or cooking for the family, Penne Alla Panna is an irresistible crowd-pleaser!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted.
Finely mince the garlic clove and add it to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the butter and oil mixture.
Season the cream with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Stir continuously to allow the flavors to meld, and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
Grate the Parmesan cheese and gradually stir it into the cream sauce until fully melted and smooth.
Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
Remove the skillet from the heat and taste the pasta. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Calories |
2813 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 144.7 g | 186% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.3 g | 382% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 361 mg | 120% | |
| Sodium | 2770 mg | 120% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 296.7 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.0 g | 54% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 66.6 g | 133% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 466 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 14.9 mg | 83% | |
| Potassium | 840 mg | 18% | |
*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.