10 Best Creamy Penne Pasta Recipes

It all started when I opened the pantry, hoping to grab a can of coconut milk for a curry, and instead found a towering stash of penne pasta.

Twelve pounds of it. That’s not an exaggeration, just the aftershock of a few too many Costco hauls. I stood there thinking, how did I end up with enough penne to cater a wedding? And with my husband sticking to spaghetti and rotini for his go-to dinners, not a single ounce of it had been touched.

Cue the real dilemma: I wanted to pair my layered cake with something unexpectedly hearty. Something pasta-based. I typed penne pasta recipes into the search bar, hoping for more than just the usual red sauce suspects.

I didn’t need a recipe that fed a crowd, just something clever enough to brighten our dinners for two. I thought of how penne pasta recipes often get overshadowed by fancier shapes, and their hollow tubes and ridges are perfect for holding on to bold flavors.

That’s when I started experimenting. First came a garlic butter broccoli penne, based on my mom’s old weeknight wonder, loaded with sautéed onions, bell peppers and crispy golden pasta edges. Then I tried a pasta salad version with chilled penne, vinaigrette, and whatever toppings I had in the fridge: sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta, and roasted chickpeas.

Even my go-to mac and cheese got an upgrade with penne’s perfect texture for soaking up velvety cheddar.

Suddenly, penne wasn’t just my pantry problem, it was my new inspiration in the kitchen. From roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with lemon zest and garlic oil to creamy baked casseroles that bubble golden under a blanket of cheese.

I realized penne pasta recipes can be just as exciting as the layered cake I was proudly serving for dessert. Now, when dinner rolls around, I look at that stash of penne with anticipation, not dread.

Whether it’s a light pesto toss, a spicy puttanesca, or a vegetarian bake, penne has become the perfect canvas for creativity.

And yes, when I serve that luscious layered cake, it’s usually after a bowl of something seriously good made with penne. Who says you can’t have your pasta and eat cake too?

10. Penne Pasta Recipes: Classic Creamy Penne Alfredo

Classic Creamy Penne Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich and creamy sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well.
3. Add Cheese: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your creamy penne Alfredo!

9. Penne Pasta Recipes: Creamy Penne With Spinach And Mushrooms

This creamy penne with spinach and mushrooms is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
4. Create the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine: Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss until well combined with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your creamy penne with spinach and mushrooms!

8. Penne Pasta Recipes: One-Pot Creamy Tomato Penne Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Tomato Penne Pasta is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. With its rich, tomato-based cream sauce, it brings together comforting flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and penne pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
4. Once pasta is cooked, stir in heavy cream and dried basil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

7. Penne Pasta Recipes: Creamy Garlic Parmesan Penne With Chicken

This creamy garlic parmesan penne with chicken is a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
5. Combine: Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your creamy garlic parmesan penne with chicken!

6. Penne Pasta Recipes: Creamy Penne With Roasted Vegetables

Creamy Penne with Roasted Vegetables is a delightful dish that brings together the richness of creamy sauce and the natural sweetness of roasted veggies.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned.
2. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, garlic powder, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Heat over medium heat until warmed through.
4. Add the roasted vegetables and cooked penne to the cream mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through.
5. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

5. Penne Pasta Recipes: Baked Creamy Penne With Mozzarella And Basil

Baked creamy penne with mozzarella and basil is a comforting dish that brings together pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked penne to the sauce mixture, stirring to combine.
5. Transfer the pasta to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy!

4. Penne Pasta Recipes: Creamy Cajun Penne Pasta With Sausage

This creamy Cajun penne pasta is a delightful mix of flavors, bringing a touch of spice and richness that everyone will love, an irresistible addition to your go-to penne pasta recipes.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, creamy dish!

3. Penne Pasta Recipes: Creamy Pesto Penne With Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Pesto Penne with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a twist on classic penne pasta recipes.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and pesto. Stir until well mixed and warmed through.
3. Add the Pasta: Toss the cooked penne into the skillet with the pesto cream sauce. Mix until the pasta is fully coated.
4. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your creamy pesto penne!

2. Penne Pasta Recipes: Vegan Creamy Penne With Cashew Sauce

This Vegan Creamy Penne with Cashew Sauce is a delightful dish that combines rich, creamy flavors with a healthy twist, perfect for anyone exploring wholesome penne pasta recipes.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cashew Sauce: In a blender, combine soaked cashews, vegetable broth, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Combine: In a large skillet, add the cashew sauce over medium heat. Stir in the cooked penne pasta and mix until well combined. Cook for a few minutes until heated through.
4. Serve: Plate the creamy penne and garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy your delicious vegan meal!

1. Penne Pasta Recipes: Creamy Penne With Shrimp And White Wine Sauce

This creamy penne with shrimp and white wine sauce is a delightful dish that balances rich flavors with a touch of elegance, a standout among penne pasta recipes.

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Penne: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, about 5 minutes. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
5. Combine: Add the cooked penne and shrimp to the sauce, tossing everything together until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy penne with shrimp!

CONCLUSION

Indulge in comfort with these irresistible creamy penne pasta recipes! From classic Alfredo to bold and cheesy twists, each dish is rich, satisfying, and easy to make. Try one tonight and treat yourself to the ultimate pasta experience!