Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta: A Luxurious and Irresistible White Sauce Penne Pasta 🍝🧄✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a rich, velvety, and flavorful pasta dish that rivals your favorite restaurant, look no further than this creamy garlic penne recipe. Known for its luscious white sauce and perfectly cooked penne, this pasta dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this restaurant-style cream sauce penne pasta promises to deliver exceptional taste and texture. Dive into this step-by-step guide to master the art of creating authentic white sauce penne pasta at home.
2. Ingredients for Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- 12 oz of penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein
For the best results, choose high-quality ingredients like fullset premium nonstick cookware to cook your pasta and sauce evenly. To enhance your culinary setup, consider investing in a KitchenAid stand mixer.
3. Preparing the Perfect White Sauce Penne Pasta
Cooking the Penne
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Making the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. For an extra touch, you could incorporate a dash of smothered chicken and rice spices to elevate the flavor profile.
If the sauce appears too thick, thin it out with some reserved pasta water, stirring until achieving your desired creaminess.
Combining Pasta with the Sauce
Add the cooked penne to the skillet with the white sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. For added richness, toss in cooked chicken or shrimp from Korean ground beef bowl recipes, or keep it vegetarian by adding sautéed vegetables.
4. Tips for Achieving Authentic Restaurant-Style White Sauce Penne Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the garlic amount based on your preference; more garlic means a more robust taste.
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy once mixed with the sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently, helping the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Reserve some pasta water to perfect the sauce consistency if needed.
For more kitchen essentials, check out the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for refreshing beverages while cooking, or the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master for easy vegetable prep.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Avoid reheating multiple times to prevent the sauce from breaking.
For extended storage, consider freezing in portion-sized containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
6. Serving Suggestions for Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
This restaurant pasta recipe pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, such as a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Add a garnish of chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan for presentation. For a more substantial meal, include garlic bread or toasted crostini on the side.
If you’re feeling adventurous, check out peach cobbler egg rolls for a sweet finish after enjoying your savory pasta.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best type of pasta for creamy garlic sauces?
Penni is the ideal choice because its shape holds the creamy sauce well, but other pasta types like fettuccine or rigatoni also work beautifully for white sauce penne pasta.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast. Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of dairy butter for a plant-based version.
Can I add protein to this creamy garlic penne?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu are excellent additions. For quick prep, check out this chicken and broccoli pasta recipe for inspiration.
8. Final Tips for Mastering Restaurant-Style White Sauce Penne Pasta
The secret to sensational creamy garlic penne lies in balancing the richness of the sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Experiment with garlic and cheese quantities to suit your taste, and invest in quality utensils and cookware like nonstick cookware to make cooking effortless. Remember, patience and attention to detail elevate your home-cooked pasta to restaurant-quality perfection!
9. Conclusion
Creating a restaurant-style creamy garlic penne pasta at home is easier than you might think. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a focus on technique, you can craft an irresistible white sauce penne pasta that rivals any restaurant experience. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this restaurant pasta recipe will become a beloved favorite. For more culinary inspiration and kitchen hacks, explore tools like the Ninja Mega Kitchen Power System and elevate your cooking game.
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Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luxurious flavor of Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, a velvety white sauce pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Creamy, garlicky, and irresistibly satisfying, this recipe brings the restaurant experience right into your home kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this penne pasta is coated in a rich Parmesan white sauce infused with fresh garlic and herbs, creating a comforting and flavorful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz of penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
- If needed, thin the sauce with reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked penne to the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp if desired.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Adjust garlic according to your preference for a robust taste.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
- Simmer the sauce gently to meld flavors beautifully.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
