Creamy garlic penne pasta is the kind of easy comfort food that always feels satisfying. It comes together in under 30 minutes, yet tastes rich, smooth, and restaurant-worthy. Tender penne is tossed in a velvety garlic cream sauce made with butter, olive oil, heavy cream, and shredded Asiago cheese for a simple pasta dinner with big flavor.
This creamy garlic pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners at home, or anytime you want an impressive meal without a complicated cooking process. The sauce is thick, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor, while the penne holds onto every bite of creaminess.
If you enjoy rich and creamy pasta dishes, this creamy garlic penne pasta is a simple recipe worth adding to your regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and adds a smooth base to the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and gives the garlic cream sauce a buttery flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives this pasta its bold, savory taste.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy, luxurious sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Mixed with water to make a slurry that thickens the sauce.
- Shredded Asiago Cheese: Melts into the sauce and adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Penne Pasta: A short pasta shape that catches the creamy garlic sauce beautifully.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
Sauté the minced garlic in olive oil and butter.
Add the heavy cream, flour slurry, and Asiago cheese.
Add the al dente penne pasta and toss well.
Serve warm and enjoy.
- Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant and softened. - Make the Sauce Base:
Pour in the heavy cream, then briefly remove the skillet from the heat. In a small bowl, whisk the flour and water together until smooth. Slowly add the flour slurry to the cream while whisking quickly to prevent lumps. - Thicken the Sauce:
Return the skillet to the heat and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the sauce becomes creamy and thick enough to coat the pasta. - Add the Cheese:
Stir in the shredded Asiago cheese until fully melted. The sauce should become smooth, rich, and glossy. - Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy garlic Asiago sauce. Taste and adjust the salt as needed. - Serve:
Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and creamy. Add extra Asiago cheese or a little parsley if desired.
Substitutions
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil can be used instead.
- Unsalted Butter: Salted butter works well, but reduce the added salt. Margarine may also be used.
- Garlic: Use garlic powder at about ¼ teaspoon per clove, or try roasted garlic for a softer flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Half-and-half, coconut cream, or evaporated milk can be used for a different texture and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use half the amount of cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
- Shredded Asiago Cheese: Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Gruyère are good alternatives.
- Penne Pasta: Rigatoni, farfalle, or another short pasta shape will also work well.
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Cheese grater
Storage
Store leftover creamy garlic penne pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy texture. Avoid overheating, as the dairy-based sauce can become too thick or separate. Freezing is not recommended because creamy sauces may change texture after thawing.
Top Tips
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta works best because it continues to absorb sauce after being added to the skillet.
- Whisk the Slurry Well: Make sure the flour and water are fully combined before adding them to the cream to help keep the sauce smooth.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Freshly grated Asiago melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese and helps create a silkier sauce.
- Serve Right Away: Creamy pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is warm and glossy.
FAQs
Yes. Parmesan or Pecorino Romano will give a similar salty, savory flavor, while mozzarella can make the sauce creamier and milder.
You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese. The sauce will be lighter, though it may not be as thick and rich.
Yes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon can be added to make the dish more filling.
Keep scrolling for the full recipe card.
Related
Looking for more pasta recipes like this creamy garlic penne? Try these ideas next:
-
Easy Spicy Carbonara Ramen
-
Street Corn Pasta Salad with Chicken
-
Creamy White Bolognese Sauce with Rigatoni
-
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Ramen
Pairing
These dessert ideas pair nicely with a rich and creamy pasta dinner:
-
Easy Lemon Loaf
-
Fudgy Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownies
-
Salted Brown Butter Maple Syrup
-
No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars
Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
- Salt, to taste
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Large skillet
- Measuring cups
- Cheese grater
Method
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt, then sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Pour in the heavy cream and briefly remove the skillet from the heat. Whisk the flour and water together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Slowly whisk the flour slurry into the cream. Return the skillet to the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Stir in the shredded Asiago cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked penne and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Food Safety
- Do not leave cooked pasta or dairy-based sauces sitting at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended on the stovetop.
- Use cooking oils appropriately and avoid overheating them.
- Keep good ventilation when cooking, especially when using a gas stove.
- Store leftovers promptly in a clean, airtight container.
Follow standard kitchen safety practices when preparing, serving, and storing this creamy garlic penne pasta.