Join me as I guide you through gathering the ingredients, perfecting the creamy sauce, and mastering the cooking techniques to create the ultimate Penne Alfredo. This classic Italian dish is not only delicious but also a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Ingredients

• Penne Pasta: Use penne pasta for this recipe. It holds the sauce well and has a great texture for creamy pasta dishes.

• Butter: Adds richness to the dish and helps create a smooth base for the sauce when melted with garlic.

• Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic to enhance the flavor of the sauce. Sauté with butter for a fragrant base.

• Plain Flour: Use plain flour to thicken the sauce. This creates a roux when combined with butter and garlic.

• Milk: Full-fat milk works best. It adds creaminess and helps balance the richness of the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Adds thickness and richness to the sauce, making it extra creamy.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan is ideal for this pasta. It melts into the sauce and adds a rich, savory flavor.

• Italian Seasoning: Use a blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to season the sauce.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Add it according to taste.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a hint of spice and depth to the sauce. Adjust to taste.

 How to Make Penne Alfredo

1. Melt Butter: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully melted and smooth.

2. Add Garlic and Salt: Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Sauté until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden.

3. Pour in Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the butter and garlic mixture. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Add Parmesan Cheese: Once the cream is simmering, stir in the grated parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened.

 

5. Stir to Combine: Stir the sauce well to ensure the cream and parmesan cheese are fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy mixture.

6. Reserve Pasta Water: After cooking the penne pasta, reserve some of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.

7. Add Penne to Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the sauce in the pan. Stir gently to coat the penne evenly with the sauce.

8. Add Reserved Pasta Water: Slowly add a bit of the reserved pasta water to the sauce and pasta. Stir well to help the sauce bind and adjust the consistency as needed.