Penne in Parmesan Cream Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Penne in Parmesan Cream Sauce, a perfect blend of simplicity and decadence that will elevate your weeknight dinners. This easy-to-make dish features tender penne pasta tossed in a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, melted Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic sautéed in rich, unsalted butter. The sauce is seasoned to perfection, with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adding a burst of freshness to every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this creamy pasta recipe is ideal for busy nights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper, and watch it become a go-to favorite for pasta lovers. Whether you're craving something cheesy, creamy, or both, this quick and satisfying recipe will hit all the right notes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 4 liters water
- 2 tablespoons salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
Bring 4 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to the boiling water.
Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
While the pasta is cooking, finely mince the garlic cloves.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the cream from scorching.
Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the Parmesan cream sauce.
Chop the fresh parsley finely and sprinkle it over the pasta as a garnish.
Serve immediately while warm. Optionally, top with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
758 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.2 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.0 g | 180% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 174 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 3745 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.2 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.3 g | ||
| Protein | 18.0 g | 36% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 448 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 1.3 mg | 7% | |
| Potassium | 70 mg | 1% | |
*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.
