What is comfort food? The kind that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and forget about everything. Forget mac and cheese, forget lasagna, for tonight, we will make **garlic penne pasta**! What makes this pasta dish the epitome of simple, satisfying, and unbelievably flavorful? Is it the dish I turn to when I need a hug in supper? What is spaghetti sauce? What is this recipe for? Is it really a lifesaver on busy weeknights?
What is Garlic Penne Pasta?
Think of garlic penne pasta as a blank canvas for flavor. At its heart, it’s penne pasta coated in a luscious, garlicky sauce. What is pasta tossed in garlic sauce? Just plays a supporting role. We’re talking al dente penne, swimming in a creamy, fragrant sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to eat it. How do you clean a bowl? The simplicity of this pasta is its greatest strength. It’s not fussy or complicated, but it is packed with flavor. It is the perfect vehicle for all those gorgeous, delicious garlic cloves!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Let me count the ways! What I love most about this **garlic penne pasta** is that it’s the perfect balance of flavor, ease, and affordability. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly quick to whip up, making it ideal for those nights when you’re short on time and energy.
* **Flavor**: The star of the show is undeniably the garlic. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, but the taste is even better. The garlic is cooked to golden perfection, imparting a sweet, pungent flavor that infuses every strand of pasta. And when you pair it with the herbs, it’s just divine.
* **Simplicity**: This recipe is so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. Seriously, if you can boil water, you can make this **garlic penne pasta**. It requires minimal ingredients and minimal effort. It is perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned pros alike.
* **Cost-Efficiency**: The ingredients are pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly meal option. No fancy ingredients are required, just simple, affordable items that you probably already have on hand.
* **Versatility**: This recipe can be customized to your liking. Add your favorite vegetables, proteins, or cheeses to make it your own. It’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients, too! For example, sometimes I’ll throw in some leftover Grilled Chicken or some sauteed spinach, and it’s always a hit.
If you are a pasta lover, you should try my Pesto Pasta recipe as well as my Tomato and Basil Pasta. This **garlic penne pasta** recipe is just as easy and yummy!
How do I make garlic penne pasta?
Quick Overview
How do you make garlic penne pasta? While pasta is cooking, you’ll saute garlic in olive oil until it’s golden brown and fragrant. What is the best way to serve pasta with garlic sauce? Is it that simple?
Ingredients
For the Garlic Penne Pasta: How do I prepare it
* 1 pound penne pasta – I always use DeLallo pasta because the quality is amazing. * 1/2 cup olive oil – Extra virgin olive is best for flavor. * 8 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t be shy with the garlic! * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds a burst of freshness. * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Because cheese makes everything better. * Salt and pepper to taste – Season to your liking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Don’t skip reserving pasta water! How do you make a creamy sauce with pasta water?
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. The garlic should be golden brown, not dark brown. If it starts to brown too quickly, reduce the heat.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Garlic
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the garlic and olive oil. Toss to coat. Add a little of the reserved pasta water to make the creamy sauce. Where does magic happen? The pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and create a velvety texture.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Cheese
Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. I always add a little extra cheese, because why not?
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious **garlic penne pasta**! It is truly a meal that you will want to make every week.
What should I serve it with?
This **garlic penne pasta** is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
* **For a light lunch**: Serve with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
* **For a satisfying dinner**: Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
* **For a cozy night in**: Enjoy with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
My personal favorite is to serve it with a side of garlic bread. Double the garlic, double the fun! My family loves to have **garlic penne pasta** with broccoli. It is a surprisingly good pairing!
How do I make a Garlic Penne Pasta?
Here are a few tips to help you make the best **garlic penne pasta** ever:
* **Use fresh garlic**: Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Don’t use jarred minced garlic, as it lacks the same intensity. I know it’s tempting to take the easy way out, but trust me, it’s worth the extra effort to mince your own garlic.
* **Don’t burn the garlic**: Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the dish. Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s sautéing and reduce the heat if necessary.
* **Use high-quality olive oil**: The olive oil is a key ingredient in this dish, so use the best quality you can afford. Extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor.
* **Reserve pasta water**: The pasta water is essential for creating a creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup before draining the pasta.
* **Add pasta water gradually**: Add the pasta water a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. You may not need to use all of the pasta water.
* **Season to taste**: Don’t be afraid to season the dish generously with salt and pepper. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed.
* **Add red pepper flakes**: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic while it’s sautéing.
* **Add lemon juice**: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the dish. Add it at the end, just before serving.
* **Add fresh herbs**: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish. Parsley, basil, and oregano all work well.
* **Experiment with different cheeses**: Parmesan cheese is the classic choice, but you can also use other cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
* **Add vegetables**: Add your favorite vegetables to the dish, such as spinach, broccoli, or tomatoes.
The biggest mistake people make when making **garlic penne pasta** is burning the garlic. To avoid this, I always sauté the garlic over medium-low heat and keep a close eye on it.
Storing and Reheating Tips
How do I reheat garlic penne pasta? Can leftover pasta be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours? After 2 hours, it should be refrigerated or frozen. Place pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. * **Freezer Instructions**: Place pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Is it safe to thaw in the refrigerator overnight? Can you cook pasta in the microwave? Add a little water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out. If you want to add some Parmesan before reheating, I would save that for the end to make sure that it doesn’t burn. Is it hard to get gloopy?
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
What is garlic penne pasta? Is it a hug in the bowl? I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to deliver. What are some good pasta recipes? What do you think of my new recipe for a healthy dinner?
Garlic Penne Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Penne pasta
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 cups Pasta sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan. Add minced garlic and saute until fragrant.
- Stir in pasta sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately with parmesan cheese.
