Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

 

Quick Overview

If you’re craving a comforting yet elegant meal that you can whip up quickly, look no further than this restaurant-style creamy garlic penne pasta. Perfectly cooked penne is coated in a rich and velvety garlic cream sauce, making it an irresistible choice for dinner or lunch. This dish brings the flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant right into your kitchen. With its creamy texture and aromatic garlic flavor, this recipe will become a staple in your home cooking repertoire.

Ingredient Breakdown

Penne Pasta

To create the perfect base for this dish, use 12 ounces of penne pasta. It has a tubular shape that holds the creamy sauce beautifully. Cook it al dente for the best texture.

Heavy Cream

You’ll need 1 cup of heavy cream to achieve that rich and luscious sauce. Heavy cream adds depth and silkiness while balancing the flavors of garlic.

Garlic

Use 4-5 cloves of fresh minced garlic for robust flavor. Garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma, making each bite delightful.

Parmesan Cheese

Add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance creaminess and add a salty bite. This cheese melts well and enriches the overall taste.

Olive Oil

A tablespoon of olive oil is essential for sautéing the garlic. It contributes healthy fats and brings out the flavors in the dish without overpowering them.

Salt and Pepper

Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. These basic seasonings elevate all the other flavors in your creamy garlic penne pasta.

Step By Step Recipe: Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water over high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After about 10-12 minutes, drain the pasta in a colander but reserve about half a cup of the pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add 4-5 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned; this will ensure that your sauce has a fresh garlic flavor without bitterness.

Step 3: Add Heavy Cream

Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet with sautéed garlic. Stir well to combine ingredients evenly. Allow it to simmer gently on low heat for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously as this can change the texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheese

Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering cream mixture while stirring continuously. This will create a smooth and creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the penne pasta.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once the cheese has melted completely into the sauce, add your drained penne directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until each piece is well-coated with that luscious cream sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Step 6: Season

Taste your creamy garlic penne pasta and adjust seasoning by adding salt and freshly cracked black pepper as desired. Continue tossing gently to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the dish.

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Tip

Serve your restaurant-style creamy garlic penne pasta immediately while hot for best results. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh parsley if desired for added color and flavor contrast.

Storage Tip

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess before warming on low heat on the stove or microwave.

Enjoy your delicious homemade restaurant-style creamy garlic penne pasta!

Mistakes to avoid

One common mistake when preparing Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is overcooking the pasta. Always follow the package instructions for al dente cooking. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and loses its appealing texture.

Another mistake is not seasoning the pasta water adequately. Adding enough salt to the boiling water enhances the pasta’s flavor significantly. A lack of seasoning can lead to bland results, overshadowing the dish’s creamy garlic sauce.

Failing to let the garlic cook properly can also ruin this dish. Garlic should be sautéed until fragrant but not browned. Burnt garlic introduces bitterness, negatively impacting the overall taste of your creamy sauce.

Lastly, using low-quality ingredients can hinder your dish’s quality. Invest in fresh garlic, high-quality cream, and good-quality pasta for the best results. Subpar ingredients may result in a lackluster flavor profile, failing to deliver that restaurant-style experience.

Tips and tricks

To achieve perfectly cooked penne for your Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, always cook it in generously salted water. This enhances its flavor and helps it hold up against the creamy sauce. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later on if needed.

For a rich and creamy sauce, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half or milk. Heavy cream provides a luxurious texture that clings beautifully to each piece of pasta. Additionally, consider adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese directly into your sauce as it simmers; this creates a deeper flavor and adds a lovely richness.

Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end for added freshness and color. This step brightens up the dish and balances out its richness. Finally, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps all flavors meld together beautifully.

Suggestions for Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta

Consider pairing your Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein and flavor. This addition makes your meal heartier and offers a satisfying balance between creamy textures and savory elements.

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding red pepper flakes or lemon zest to your sauce. These ingredients enhance the overall taste profile without overwhelming the dish with spice or acidity.

To make it more nutritious, include sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into your creamy sauce. These additions introduce vibrant colors and textures while boosting fiber content, making your meal healthier overall.

Finally, serve your penne in warm bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper before presenting it to guests or family. The finishing touches elevate your dish visually while enhancing its taste.

FAQs

What is the best type of penne for this recipe?

The best type of penne for Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is traditional penne rigate made from durum wheat semolina. This variety has ridges that help hold onto sauces better than smooth penne. Whole wheat penne is also an excellent option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative without compromising texture or taste.

Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

While you can use low-fat cream in place of heavy cream when making Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, be aware that it may alter the final texture and richness of your sauce. Low-fat options might not provide that luxurious creaminess expected from traditional recipes; however, they can still yield delicious results with fewer calories if you’re watching your intake.

How do I store leftovers?

To store leftover Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta properly, transfer it into an airtight container once cooled down completely. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking; it will last up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture before warming in a microwave-safe dish or stovetop pan over low heat.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! To create a vegan version of Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream blended until smooth. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor while keeping it dairy-free; additionally, ensure you select plant-based pasta free from egg products.

How spicy is this dish?

Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta typically isn’t spicy unless you choose to add red pepper flakes or other spicy ingredients yourself during preparation. If you prefer mild flavors without any heat at all, feel free to skip these additions entirely so everyone can enjoy their meal without discomfort from spiciness!

What wine pairs well with creamy garlic pasta?

When enjoying Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully due to their crisp acidity complementing rich sauces nicely! Alternatively, light-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir also work well if you prefer darker options—both choices enhance flavors without overpowering them!

Summary

In summary, creating Restaurant-Style Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta requires attention to detail in cooking techniques and ingredient quality. Avoid common mistakes like overcooking pasta or skimping on seasonings for optimal results. Implement tips such as using heavy cream and reserving pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency while incorporating fresh herbs adds brightness too! Lastly, experiment with suggestions like adding proteins or veggies for variety while ensuring proper storage practices keep leftovers fresh longer!

 

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