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Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 680
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450g) penne pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp fine sea salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and just golden.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer on low for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add the drained penne, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pour in ¼ cup pasta water and toss until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Add more pasta water as needed. Serve right away with extra Parmesan.

Notes

This pasta is at its best right out of the skillet. If it thickens while sitting, stir in a splash of hot pasta water or a little milk to loosen it back up.