What makes a perfect weeknight dinner? A rich and creamy garlic penne pasta in a homemade white sauce with parmesan cheese on top is my go-to easy recipe, made with just a few simple ingredients like garlic and parmesan. Save this idea for a quick family favorite meal that everyone will love, Try it soon

creamy garlic penne pasta in a white sauce with parmesan cheese on top

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the comfort of creamy pasta, the depth of garlic, and the richness of parmesan cheese, all in one delightful package. Our creamy garlic penne pasta in a white sauce with parmesan cheese on top is a culinary masterpiece that is not only easy to prepare but also offers a flavor profile that will leave you and your guests craving for more. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, using everyday ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic, white sauce, and parmesan cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors, and the best part is that these ingredients are easily accessible in most grocery stores.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its rich and complex flavor profile, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple to work with.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: What’s most impressive about this recipe is how it can elevate a simple pasta dish into a gourmet meal with minimal effort. The presentation, combined with the aroma and taste, makes it perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.

Key Ingredients

To make our creamy garlic penne pasta, you will need the following key ingredients: penne pasta, garlic, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. For the garlic, you can use fresh cloves, and for the parmesan cheese, you can opt for grated or shredded, whichever is more convenient. If you’re looking for substitutions, you can use other types of pasta like fusilli or farfalle, and for a vegan version, you can replace the butter with a vegan alternative and use a non-dairy milk. The parmesan cheese can also be substituted with other hard cheeses like pecorino or romano, though parmesan gives the best flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the garlic into fine pieces and grate the parmesan cheese. Also, measure out your flour, milk, and seasonings.
2. Step 2: Cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set it aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about a minute to create a roux, then slowly pour in the milk, whisking vigorously to ensure the sauce remains smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until it thickens, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until it’s fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy. Combine the cooked penne pasta with the cheese sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. Serve hot, topped with additional parmesan cheese if desired.

Handy Tips

• When cooking the pasta, make sure to salt the water for added flavor. Also, reserve some of the pasta water before draining, as it can be used to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce if needed.
• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking the sauce.
• Avoid overcooking the garlic, as it can quickly become bitter. Similarly, don’t overcook the pasta, as it should retain a bit of firmness in the center.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when making the white sauce. The ideal temperature for cooking the sauce is medium heat, as it allows for a gentle simmer that helps in thickening the sauce without burning it. When adding the milk, do it slowly and whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon evenly, indicating it has reached the perfect thickness.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish primarily comes from the texture of the al dente pasta and the slight crispiness of the garlic if it’s sautéed just right. To achieve the perfect texture, ensure that the pasta is not overcooked and that the garlic is cooked until it’s fragrant but still retains a bit of crunch. You can also add some toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits on top of the pasta for an extra crunchy element.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One of the pro kitchen tricks for this recipe is to use a high-quality parmesan cheese. The better the cheese, the richer the flavor of your dish will be.
• Another trick is to not overmix the sauce once the cheese is added. This can make the sauce gritty and unappetizing. Instead, stir gently until the cheese is just incorporated, then remove from heat.
• For cleanup, a handy trick is to soak your pots and utensils immediately after use. The starch from the pasta and the cheese can harden and become difficult to clean if left to dry.

Storage Tips

• The creamy garlic penne pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When storing, make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature to prevent moisture from accumulating and making the pasta soggy.
• For reheating, you can use the microwave or reheat it on the stovetop with a bit of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
• Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the sauce can separate and the pasta might become mushy upon thawing and reheating.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, a thoughtful way to package it would be in a decorative microwave-safe container, topped with fresh parsley or parmesan cheese shavings. You could also include a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Wrap the container in a nice cloth or paper bag, and don’t forget to include the reheating instructions for the recipient’s convenience.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: You can add a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding some sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to add more flavor and nutrients.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, you could add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. For a meat-lover’s version, some cooked bacon or ham could be added to the sauce.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of milk or pasta water. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
• Ingredient replacements: If you don’t have parmesan, you can use other hard cheeses, though the flavor might be slightly different.
• Over/undercooking signs: The pasta should have a bit of bite to it. If it’s mushy, it’s overcooked. The sauce should coat the pasta evenly; if it’s too runny, it might need a bit more simmering.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture and consistency might not hold up well upon thawing and reheating.
• Is it gluten-free? The traditional recipe includes wheat flour, making it not gluten-free. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe for larger servings. Just keep an eye on the sauce’s consistency and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the creamy garlic penne pasta in a white sauce with parmesan cheese on top is a dish that embodies comfort, flavor, and simplicity. With its accessible ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a recipe that anyone can enjoy making and sharing. Whether you’re a fan of pasta, a cheese aficionado, or just someone who loves a good meal, this dish is sure to please. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, adding your own twists and preferences to make it truly yours. Happy cooking, and buon appetito!