Easy Alfredo Penne Pasta
This velvety penne alfredo combines al dente pasta with a rich, homemade cream sauce for the ultimate comfort food. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights or whenever creamy pasta cravings strike!
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons salt for pasta water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter 1 stick
- 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Pasta Prep (3 mins)
- Bring large pot of water to boil
- Add salt and pasta
- Cook 1 minute less than package directions
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining
Start Sauce (2 mins)
- Melt butter in large skillet
- Add minced garlic
- Sauté until fragrant
Make Sauce (5 mins)
- Pour in heavy cream
- Add cheese gradually
- Season with pepper and nutmeg
- Stir constantly until smooth
Combine (3 mins)
- Add drained pasta to sauce
- Toss until well coated
- Add pasta water if needed
- Season to taste
Finish & Serve (2 mins)
- Transfer to serving bowl
- Top with extra cheese
- Garnish with fresh parsley
- Serve immediately
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting
- Save pasta water for perfect sauce consistency
- Don't rinse pasta after cooking
- Reheat leftovers with splash of cream