5 from 12 votes
Easy Alfredo Penne Pasta
Easy Alfredo Penne Pasta features penne cooked al dente tossed in a creamy sauce made from butter, garlic, flour, milk, and cream. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for richness and flavor. Parsley adds a fresh garnish. The sauce is thickened on the stovetop and combined with reserved pasta water to create a smooth coating. This comforting pasta dish can be served as a main or side.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
743 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk whole
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more for serving, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
- 2/3 cup Parmesan Cheese plus more for serving, shredded or grated
- parsley for garnish, fresh
Instructions
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions for al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, rinse and set aside.
- Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven or large skillet set over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic, sautéing for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, until thick and pasty.
- Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring between additions. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a light simmer and cook until the sauce begins to thicken. Season with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in the cooked penne and reserved pasta water, then toss well to combine.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store leftovers in a sealed container refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with broth or microwave as needed.
- Gluten-free pasta can replace regular penne to suit dietary needs.
Nutrition Information
Calories
743kcal
(37%)
Carbohydrates
96g
(32%)
Protein
25g
(50%)
Fat
28g
(43%)
Saturated Fat
17g
(85%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
7g
(35%)
Trans Fat
0.3g
(15%)
Cholesterol
79mg
(26%)
Sodium
609mg
(25%)
Potassium
461mg
(10%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
988IU
(20%)
Vitamin C
1mg
(1%)
Calcium
370mg
(37%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 743
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 743kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 96g | 32% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 17g | 85% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 0.3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 79mg | 26% |
| Sodium | 609mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 461mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 988IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 370mg | 37% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.