Pasta Recipes

Garlic Cream Penne

By Angela Published July 23, 2026

When you’re craving something warm, comforting, and absolutely delicious on a busy weeknight, garlic cream penne is your answer. This creamy, garlicky pasta comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes like you spent way more time in the kitchen than you actually did.

I love making this dish when I want something rich and satisfying without the heaviness of a red sauce. The buttery garlic sauce clings beautifully to every piece of penne, and honestly, it’s become a regular rotation in our dinner plans.

If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes over tomato-based ones, you’re going to absolutely fall for this recipe. It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for family dinner or impressing guests without any fuss.

The Ingredient Lineup

This recipe relies on just a handful of quality ingredients that work together to create something truly special. Most of what you need is probably already in your kitchen, butter, garlic, flour, broth, milk, and cheese do all the heavy lifting here.

Penne pasta: The short, tube-shaped noodles are perfect for capturing and holding onto this creamy sauce in every bite.
Butter: This is your flavor foundation, it creates the rich base for the sauce and brings out the garlic beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives this dish its signature warmth and aromatic appeal; don’t skip it or use powder here.
All-purpose flour: This acts as a thickener, turning the liquid into a silky, coat-able sauce without any lumps.
Chicken broth and milk: Together these create the creamy sauce; the broth adds savory depth while milk adds richness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish that ties everything together and makes the sauce taste restaurant-quality.

Making Garlic Cream Penne, Step by Step

Here’s how to bring this dish together step by step, and trust me, it’s easier than it sounds.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne according to the package directions. Drain it well, then toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Base

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and add your minced garlic. Let it cook for about a minute, stirring gently, you want fragrant and golden, never brown or burnt.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, stirring constantly for another minute. This helps thicken the sauce and removes any raw flour taste.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until everything is smooth and combined.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Add the red pepper flakes, half the Parmesan, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Bring It Together

Add your cooked penne to the skillet and toss until every noodle is coated. Finish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while everything is hot and creamy.

Garlic Cream Penne close-up serving shot

Why This Recipe Works

Ready in 30 minutes flat, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and filling
Silky, savory sauce that coats every noodle without being overly heavy or complicated
Uses basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand
Naturally elegant enough to serve to guests, yet casual enough for everyday family meals
Pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted chicken, fresh salad, or steamed vegetables

Swaps and Substitutions

Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep this dish vegetarian without changing the flavor profile.
Use whole wheat penne or a chickpea-based pasta if you prefer a different texture or want more protein and fiber.
Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper, slightly more assertive cheese flavor.
Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer sauce, though you may need to reduce the amount slightly.

Pro Tips for Success

Have all your ingredients prepped and measured before you start cooking, this dish moves quickly and you won’t want to scramble mid-recipe.
Don’t let the garlic brown; it turns bitter fast. Keep the heat at medium-high and watch it closely for that golden, fragrant stage.
Whisk constantly when adding the broth and milk to avoid lumps in your sauce, patience here pays off with a silky result.
If your sauce seems too thick, thin it with a splash of milk or broth; if it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
Serve immediately for the best texture; this sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t let it sit around before eating.

Tools for This Recipe

Large pot
Large skillet
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Colander
Measuring cups and spoons

Perfect Pairings

Serve with roasted or grilled chicken breast on the side and a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.
Pair with steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a simple, elegant meal that feels restaurant-quality.
Top with crushed red pepper flakes and fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Serve alongside garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
More Pasta Recipes to round out the menu

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Store

Keep leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, which is completely normal.

Freeze

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, though the sauce texture may change slightly upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat gently on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce back to its creamy consistency. You can also microwave it, stirring in a bit of milk first.

For more on safe storage, see the USDA food-safety guidance for storing leftovers.

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Angela