Parmesan Penne

Creamy, decadent, and bursting with bold flavors, Parmesan Penne is the ultimate comfort food that’s surprisingly easy to make. This indulgent pasta dish features tender penne coated in a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce, enriched with heavy cream, melted butter, and a hint of garlic for depth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness, while a dash of black pepper enhances the creamy richness. Perfect for busy weeknights or intimate dinner gatherings, this 30-minute recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty garlic bread. Whether you’re craving classic Italian-inspired flavors or looking for an effortless dish that feels gourmet, Parmesan Penne delivers a restaurant-worthy experience right in your own kitchen.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• as needed water

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 4

Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream slightly thickens.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously to avoid clumping. Let the cheese melt completely, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

Step 7

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.

Step 8

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to combine, ensuring every piece is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 9

Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and give it a final toss.

Step 10

Serve the Parmesan penne immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(819.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3051.5

Total Fat 161.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 88.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 422mg	0%
Sodium 3308.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 295.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.0g	0%
Total Sugars 0.2g
Protein 98.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1356.8mg	0%
Iron 15.1mg	0%
Potassium 907.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.9%

Protein: 13.1%

Carbs: 39.0%