Description
Garlic Penne Pasta is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring perfectly cooked penne tossed in a fragrant garlic-infused olive oil sauce with red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting pasta is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy meals, and is highly customizable to suit various dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the garlic oil. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
- Finish with Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind the sauce and adjust consistency.
- Sauté garlic on medium-low heat to prevent burning and extract optimal flavor.
- Add parsley at the end to brighten the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 8 mg