Creamy Garlic Basil Penne Pasta
Indulge in this rich and creamy garlic basil penne pasta that is ready in no time! Perfect for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in, this delightful dish features al dente penne pasta coated in a velvety sauce made from a blend of half-and-half, chicken broth, and garlic. Finished with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a dollop of sour cream, this recipe is bound to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. Serve this comforting pasta dish with a side salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal that you can easily whip up in just 30 minutes.
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
1 cup (uncooked)
butter
1 1/2 teaspoons (melted)
extra virgin olive oil
2 1/4 teaspoons (added to sauce)
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons (for thickening sauce)
fresh garlic
1/2 teaspoon (minced)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
dried basil
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste (for heat)
half-and-half
3 tablespoons (for creaminess)
chicken broth
2 tablespoons (for flavor)
water
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (grated)
sour cream
1 tablespoon (for creaminess)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the extra virgin olive oil, stirring to combine.
3
Add the all-purpose flour and minced garlic to the saucepan. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook slightly and absorb the flavors.
4
Slowly pour in the half-and-half, chicken broth, and water, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5
Increase the heat to high and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese and sour cream until melted and smooth.
7
Season the sauce with salt, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
8
Combine the drained penne pasta with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
14g
Fat
32g
Carbs
8.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Garlic Basil Penne Pasta?
It is a rich and creamy Italian-inspired dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a velvety sauce made from garlic, basil, parmesan, and sour cream.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is a quick 30-minute meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 275 calories per serving of this creamy garlic basil penne pasta.
What are the main nutritional facts for this dish?
The dish contains 14g of fat, 32g of carbohydrates, and 8.5g of protein per serving.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Penne pasta is recommended as its shape holds the creamy garlic sauce very well.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe as written uses chicken broth, but it can be easily made vegetarian by substituting it with vegetable broth.
What ingredients are needed for the sauce base?
The sauce is built using butter, extra virgin olive oil, all-purpose flour, and minced garlic.
How is the creaminess achieved in the sauce?
The creaminess comes from a blend of half-and-half, parmesan cheese, and a tablespoon of sour cream.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, while the recipe calls for dried basil for flavor, you can garnish with fresh basil for a brighter taste.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt butter and olive oil, then add flour and minced garlic, stirring for about 1 minute to cook the flour.
What liquids are added to the sauce?
The recipe uses a combination of half-and-half, chicken broth, and a small amount of water.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
Is this dish spicy?
It includes crushed red pepper flakes to taste, allowing you to control the level of heat.
How do I cook the penne for this recipe?
Boil the penne in salted water according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the role of sour cream in this pasta?
Sour cream is stirred in at the end to add a slight tang and a velvety finish to the garlic sauce.
Can I use whole wheat penne?
Yes, you can substitute regular penne with whole wheat penne for a higher fiber option.
What should I serve with this pasta?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of minced fresh garlic.
Do I need to boil the sauce?
Yes, bring the sauce to a gentle boil for 2 minutes to allow it to thicken before adding the cheese.
Can I add other proteins to this dish?
Absolutely; grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced Italian sausage would be excellent additions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 13 main ingredients including seasonings.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you would need to substitute the butter, half-and-half, parmesan, and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
Is the flour necessary?
Yes, the flour acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta evenly.
Should I add the seasonings at the beginning or end?
Salt, dried basil, and red pepper flakes should be added after the sauce has thickened and the cheese has melted.
Can I use oil instead of butter?
The recipe uses both butter and olive oil for flavor and texture, but you could use all oil if necessary.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The provided measurements for 1 cup of penne typically serve 1 to 2 people as a main or side dish.
Is this a romantic dinner choice?
Yes, its rich flavor and elegant presentation make it an ideal choice for a romantic or special occasion dinner.
How long should I cook the garlic and flour?
Stir the garlic and flour constantly for about 1 minute to prevent burning while absorbing the flavors.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as velvety, thick, and smooth.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container; when reheating, you may need a splash of milk or broth to loosen the creamy sauce.