This One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the perfect quick and comforting weeknight dinner—creamy, garlicky, and ready in just 20 minutes. Simple ingredients, easy cleanup, and incredible flavor!
Looking for a quick, cozy pasta dinner?
One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta (Easy 20-Minute Dinner!)
There’s nothing better than a cozy, creamy pasta dinner—especially one that comes together in just one pot and tastes like something you’d order at a restaurant. This One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta is the kind of recipe that instantly becomes a family favorite: rich, garlicky, buttery, and incredibly comforting. It’s the ultimate weeknight meal for busy families, picky eaters, or anyone craving something warm and satisfying after a long day.
This pasta is made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients, yet delivers a big punch of flavor. We’re talking real butter, plenty of minced garlic (the more the merrier!), a silky roux that turns into a luscious, creamy sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan that melts beautifully into every bite. The penne pasta absorbs just the right amount of sauce, providing a perfect creamy coating without feeling heavy.
One of the best parts? You don’t need any special ingredients, no fancy techniques, and no long list of steps. Everything cooks quickly, smoothly, and consistently—making it an ideal recipe for beginners, busy parents, or anyone who loves easy comfort food. And because the base is so simple, you can customize it endlessly: add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, shrimp, or fresh herbs. It’s flexible, cozy, and always delicious.
If you love easy one-pot meals, creamy pastas, or garlic-forward recipes that feel like a hug in a bowl, this recipe will become a staple in your weekly rotation. Let’s make it!
Ingredients (What You’ll Need )
Penne Pasta – Penne is perfect for creamy sauces because the tube shape helps catch and hold the sauce. You get creamy goodness in every bite.
Salted Butter – Adds richness and depth. Salted butter balances out the garlic and helps build the base of the sauce.
Garlic (5–6 cloves, minced) The star of this recipe! Fresh garlic makes the sauce aromatic and savory—don’t substitute with garlic powder unless absolutely necessary.
Flour – When mixed with butter, it creates a simple roux that thickens the sauce and gives it that silky texture.
Chicken Broth – Adds savory flavor and prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy. You can use vegetable broth if you want it vegetarian.
Whole Milk – Makes the sauce creamy without needing heavy cream. Whole milk provides the right balance of richness and lightness.
Parsley Flakes – Adds color and a mild, earthy flavor. You can use fresh parsley as well.
Fresh Grated Parmesan – The key to smooth, melty cheese flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes far superior to pre-shredded.
Salt and Pepper – Season to taste—don’t skip this! Good seasoning completes the dish.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta (Step-by-Step)
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Cook the Pasta
Prepare your penne according to the package instructions. Drain it, set it aside, and keep it warm. You want the pasta ready before you start the sauce, so everything comes together quickly. -
Make the Garlic Butter Base
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1½ minutes, stirring so it doesn’t burn. The garlic should be fragrant and lightly golden. -
Form the Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another 1½ minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and builds the base for your creamy sauce. -
Add the Liquids
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously. The mixture will start thin but will thicken as it heats and begins to bubble. -
Season and Melt the Cheese
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the parsley and fresh Parmesan. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. -
Combine Everything
Drain the pasta, if needed, and toss with the sauce until well coated (add a little pasta water if you wish to thin the sauce a bit). Serve immediately with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. The pasta soaks up the creamy sauce—so the sooner you serve it, the better!
Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts smoothly and tastes better than pre-shredded.
Don’t burn the garlic – Cook it gently—burnt garlic turns bitter.
Add broth slowly – Slow addition + constant whisking = no lumps.
Sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Sauce too thin? Let it simmer on low for another 2–3 minutes.
Want protein? Great add-ins: grilled chicken, shrimp, Italian sausage, or rotisserie chicken.
Want veggies? Stir in spinach, peas, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
FAQ
Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Just cook it separately and follow the same instructions for the sauce.
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Absolutely. It will be richer and thicker—use 1 cup cream + 1 cup broth.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, up to 3 days in the fridge. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
You May Also Love These Easy Pasta & One-Pot Comfort Meals
If you enjoy simple and creamy weeknight dinners like this One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta, check out some of my other popular comfort-food recipes:
- Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce — a light and refreshing weeknight pasta bursting with fresh summer flavor
- One Pot Kielbasa Pasta — hearty, smoky, ultra-comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes
- Roasted Asparagus Garlic Penne Pasta — simple, elegant, and packed with garlicky roasted asparagus
One Pot Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta cooked according to package directions
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 5-6 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 4 teaspoons parsley flakes
- 2/3 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain, set aside, and keep warm.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook 1½ minutes, stirring. Add flour and cook another 1½ minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth while whisking until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble.
- Stir in parsley flakes and Parmesan until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce until well coated (add a little pasta water if you wish to thin the sauce a bit). Serve immediately with parsley and extra parm if desired.
Notes
