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If you can stir ingredients, you can make this epic Alfredo recipe with penne pasta that will make everyone ask for more.
Penne Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
When I don't know what to make for dinner, a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta always hits the spot. My fettuccine Alfredo is a family favorite, but when I have pasta penne on hand, no doubt I use it. The sauce trapped in the tubes is epic!
If being creamily delicious is my number one reason to love this penne Alfredo recipe, let's talk convenience. 20 minutes + simple ingredients. What's.Not.To.Love! A perfect midweek pasta dinner that fills bellies and makes everyone happy!
Ingredients
This recipe combines penne pasta with a delicious Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, half-and-half or heavy cream, whole milk (or more cream, but avoid low-fat milk), and grated Parmesan cheese. Salt and pepper are iconic, and the optional nutmeg gives it a unique, traditional flavor that says, “I’m homemade.”
Why Penne is Perfect for Alfredo Sauce
Penne’s ridges and hollow center make it perfect for trapping Alfredo sauce, so every bite is packed with flavor.
How to Make Alfredo with Penne Pasta
Follow these steps to make this velvety penne pasta recipe with Alfredo sauce:
- Cook the pasta
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve some pasta water. You can use it later to thin out the sauce. - Make the sauce
Toast garlic in butter for delicious flavor, and then add all the remaining ingredients, stirring constantly. Simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat, stirring. - Combine
To the Alfredo sauce, add the cooked penne pasta. If your sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water (make sure it’s hot) to thin it out.
Recipe Variations
While this Alfredo with pasta penne is already epic, there’s still room for more nutrition and flavor! Check out these mouthwatering ideas:
Add a protein
You can turn this Alfredo pasta into a complete meal by adding protein, as I do in this frozen shrimp Alfredo, penne pasta Alfredo with salmon, and this rotisserie chicken Alfredo. Want to add protein and keep it meatless? Make cottage cheese Alfredo!
Add veggies
Broccoli is a classic addition to Alfredo sauce! Other terrific options are cauliflower, peas, bell peppers, spinach zucchini, and carrots.
Make it gluten-free
Since the only gluten in this Alfredo recipe is in the pasta, swap it for gluten-free pasta penne and enjoy!
Swap the dairy
Run out of half and half? Make this Alfredo sauce with cream cheese.
Spice it up!
Want something extra that makes your tastebuds dance but it’s still kid-friendly? This Cajun Alfredo pasta with sausage and this blackened chicken Alfredo are keepers!
Swap the pasta
If you run out of penne pasta, make this recipe with fettuccine, macaroni, or any other pasta you have on hand.
What to Serve With Penne Alfredo
This recipe pairs well with many side dishes. I usually serve it with veggies, a simple side salad, quick pan asparagus, or my kids’ favorite side: roasted cherry tomatoes.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have Alfredo pasta leftovers, let them cool down first. They keep in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. Before reheating, add a couple of tablespoons of milk or half & half to reconstitute the sauce, then microwave it for a minute, stir, and then a little longer until heated through.
Alfredo with Penne Pasta (Easy Recipe)
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream, or half and half
- 1 cup whole milk, or more cream
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- Pinch nutmeg, optional
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta following the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining it.
Make the sauce:
- Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and stir to toast it for about a minute, ensuring it doesn't burn.
- Pour in the half & half (or cream) and milk, stirring constantly. Add the grated cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) and combine. Reduce the heat and continue cooking the Alfredo sauce for about 5 minutes.
Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the Alfredo sauce and toss to combine. If you like it more saucy, add some of the reserved pasta water (make sure it's hot) and stir.
- Serve the penne with Alfredo, topped with additional parmesan cheese.
Storage & Reheating Leftovers
- Once cooled, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. Before reheating, add a couple of tablespoons of milk or half & half to reconstitute the sauce, then microwave it for a minute, stir, and then a little longer until heated through.
Sonia Seivwright says
This is exactly the kind of weeknight dinner I crave. The penne shape holding onto all that rich Alfredo sauce sounds perfect. I also liked that you mentioned seasoning in layers rather than just at the end. It is those little details that take a simple pasta dish from good to really good.
Elizabeth F says
I love it that this Alfredo dish looks light and delicious. I’m not a fan of heavy, creamy sauces so it’s great to see a lighter and easy to digest Penne Alfredo recipe!
Ebony Robinson says
I love how this recipe calls for authentic alfredo! This is such a great pasta for dinner and easy to make. Can’t wait to make again!
Victoria Prasad says
This looks positively delightful! The creamier the better. I actually haven’t made this dish in quite a while, so the next time around I’ll try this recipe for sure!!
Kat says
Penne pasta is definitely the best choice for this meal since the sauce actually fills up the noodles. That pinch of nutmeg is a fun addition my mother used for her white sauces too.