This pasta dish hits all the comfort‑food marks — silky sauce, perfectly cooked penne, and rich flavor. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable with add‑ins like veggies, chicken, or bacon for extra heartiness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream (and cream cheese if using) and stir until smooth. Let simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss until all the pasta is evenly coated.
If using optional add‑ins like spinach or cooked chicken, stir them in now and heat through.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Servings and timing
This recipe typically serves 4 people. Prep and cooking time is about 20–30 minutes.
Variations
Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted cherry tomatoes for more flavor.
Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, to make it a heartier meal.
Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
What type of pasta should I use?
Penne works great, but you can also use rigatoni, fusilli, or any tube‑shaped pasta.
Can I make this dairy‑free?
Yes — substitute dairy‑free cream and cheese alternatives.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Add a splash of pasta water or milk to thin the sauce while keeping it creamy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely — spinach, peas, broccoli, or roasted red peppers are great additions.
What cheese should I use?
Parmesan is classic, but you can mix in Asiago or mozzarella for different flavors.
Is this recipe kid‑friendly?
Yes — the creamy texture and mild flavors are usually popular with kids.
Can I freeze leftover pasta?
Creamy pasta doesn’t freeze well because the sauce can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
What seasoning pairs well with the sauce?
Italian seasoning, garlic powder, oregano, or basil enhance the creamy flavor.
How can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for heat.
Conclusion
Creamy Penne Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that’s quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its rich, velvety sauce and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Creamy Penne Pasta is a comforting, quick-to-make dish featuring tender pasta tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with Parmesan cheese and optional add-ins like chicken or vegetables for extra heartiness.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream (and cream cheese if using). Stir until smooth and let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked penne to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
If using add-ins like spinach or cooked chicken, stir them in and cook until heated through.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes for heat.Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor.Use dairy-free substitutes to make the dish dairy-free.Thin thick sauce with a splash of pasta water or milk.Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat with added cream or milk for best texture.
