Creamy Penne Pasta Recipe

A simple pasta dish made with penne and a cream-based sauce. The ingredients are minimal, and the steps are direct. Suitable for a quick meal.

Serves: 2–3
Total Time: 20–25 minutes

Ingredients

Pasta & Sauce Base

• 250 g penne pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese & Add-Ins

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup cooked chicken pieces (optional)

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta
   Boil salted water. Cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce
   Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add cheese and seasonings
   Stir in Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked chicken if using.
4. Combine
   Add penne to the sauce and mix until coated. Adjust with a small amount of pasta water if needed.
5. Serve
   Plate and top with chopped parsley.

Tips

• Add pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
• Cut chicken into small, even pieces so it mixes evenly with the pasta.