Best 11 Creamy Penne Pasta Recipes

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Indulge in the creamy delight of penne pasta, a classic Italian dish that tantalizes taste buds with its rich, velvety sauce and tender pasta. This versatile dish can be customized to suit various preferences, from simple and creamy to bursting with flavorful add-ins like succulent shrimp, tender chicken, or sautéed vegetables. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking a comforting meal, this curated collection of creamy penne pasta recipes offers a culinary journey that promises satisfaction with every bite. From the basic yet delicious Creamy Penne Pasta to the more elaborate Creamy Pesto Penne with Shrimp and the indulgent Creamy Vodka Penne with Chicken, these recipes cater to diverse tastes and skill levels. Embrace the culinary adventure and discover your new favorite creamy penne pasta recipe today!

Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!

CREAMY GARLIC PENNE PASTA



Creamy Garlic Penne Pasta image

This is a delicious, super quick side or main dish. I got it from the back of a pasta box and it is yummy!

Provided by Karen..

Categories     Penne

Time 15m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (1 lb) box penne or 1 (1 lb) box penne rigate, cooked as directed, drained and kept hot
2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup chicken broth or 3/4 cup beef broth
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons parsley flakes
salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Melt butter and add garlic in a medium sauce pan.
  • Cook over medium for 1 minute.
  • Add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Stir in broth and milk and cook, stirring frequently, until sauce boils and thickens.
  • Add parsley, salt, pepper and cheese.
  • Stir until cheese is melted.
  • Toss hot pasta with sauce and serve immediately.

CREAMY PENNE PASTA PRIMAVERA



Creamy Penne Pasta Primavera image

Asparagus, cherry tomatoes, and carrots are tossed in a delicious and rich cream sauce.

Provided by gretchen

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Pasta Primavera Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups penne pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
3 carrots, cut into strips
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 clove garlic, minced, or more to taste
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat-high heat; saute asparagus and carrots until tender yet firm to the bite, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and garlic; saute until garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Stir Parmesan cheese, cream, and black pepper into vegetable mixture until cheese melts and sauce is smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Add pasta to sauce and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 518.3 calories, Carbohydrate 65.1 g, Cholesterol 66.1 mg, Fat 22.2 g, Fiber 5.5 g, Protein 18.4 g, SaturatedFat 12.1 g, Sodium 250 mg, Sugar 5.5 g

CREAMY PENNE PASTA WITH HAM AND PEAS



Creamy Penne Pasta With Ham and Peas image

I tried to copy a wonderful dish I had at a small local Italian restaurant and this one turned out WONDERFUL (for a lot less money too!) The flavors are excellent and it's a totally new way to use up leftover ham. The crispy ham reminds me of pancetta. This is a very forgiving recipe and many different vegetables can be added to your liking, try sauteed zucchini with the peas, or mushrooms, broccoli, etc.

Provided by Aurora

Categories     Ham

Time 40m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 cups penne pasta, uncooked
1 cup peas, frozen petite
1 1/2 cups ham, chopped small
2 cups milk
4 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
5 -6 garlic cloves, chopped (or more!)
8 ounces cream cheese, lite is wonderful in this
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 -2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
fresh pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • Bring large pot of water to boil and add pasta, cooking to al dente.
  • Add peas last 2-3 minutes to pasta.
  • Scoop out 1 cup pasta water, then drain, and place in a large serving dish.
  • Whisk flour into milk (or shake together in a jar) till mixed well.
  • In skillet, pour olive oil in and add ham, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until ham is crispy. Remove to paper towel to drain.
  • In sauce pan, melt butter (or use more olive oil) and saute garlic over medium low for about 2-3 minutes (if you love garlic, feel free to add more!).
  • Whisk in milk/flour mixture and add chipped cream cheese, whisking till melted into sauce smoothly. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk till incorporated.
  • In large dish with pasta and peas, toss in crispy ham, and any other vegetables you want (optional).
  • Pour sauce over pasta and mix, pouring in pasta water till nice and creamy.
  • Top with more parmesan and fresh ground pepper.
  • serve immediately with tossed salad and garlic bread. YUM!

CREAMY PENNE PASTA



Creamy Penne Pasta image

This pasta recipe is so easy and so good! Wonderful made with crab, shrimp or chicken. You can also use fat free cream cheese if you're watching calories. Serve with grated Parmesan.

Provided by Toni

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegetarian     Side Dishes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
¼ cup chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tomato, diced
salt and pepper to taste
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, tomato, salt and pepper, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in cream cheese until melted. (Add meat, if desired, at this time.) Heat through, toss with cooked pasta and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 668.2 calories, Carbohydrate 85.2 g, Cholesterol 61.6 mg, Fat 29.1 g, Fiber 4.3 g, Protein 19.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.8 g, Sodium 174.7 mg, Sugar 4.7 g

CREAMY SPINACH AND MUSHROOM PENNE PASTA



Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Penne Pasta image

A lacto-vegetarian pasta dish using spinach, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and cream cheese to create a thick, delectable tomato sauce. The original recipe only called for cream cheese, canned pasta sauce, spinach, pasta, and parmesan cheese. I added the mushrooms to give the sauce more substance.

Provided by for the love of veg

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 lb penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup red onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces baby portabella mushrooms, sliced
1 1/2 cups frozen chopped spinach
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon spike seasoning
1/4 teaspoon fennel seed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons light cream cheese

Steps:

  • Heat oil in skillet on medium heat and saute onions and garlic until tender.
  • Add mushrooms and spinach and saute until heated through.
  • Add herbs and spices. Mix well.
  • Mix in tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
  • Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook penne pasta according to package directions in a large pot.
  • Drain pasta and return it to the large pot.
  • Stir in in parmesan cheese and light cream cheese. Mix well.
  • Add prepared sauce to pasta and mix until well combined.
  • Serve topped with extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
  • Note: Spike seasoning can be substituted with another all-purpose seasoning, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 278.8, Fat 5.1, SaturatedFat 1.5, Cholesterol 5.6, Sodium 427.1, Carbohydrate 53.3, Fiber 9, Sugar 4.2, Protein 8.2

CREAMY PENNE PASTA WITH WALNUTS



Creamy Penne Pasta with Walnuts image

My husband says I'm spoiling him when I prepare this recipe. Crunchy walnuts are a wonderful complement to the creamy sauce. You can serve this as an entree or side.-Cheryl Strahm, St. Louis, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 7 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup olive oil
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon brandy
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion in oil until tender. Add the walnuts, garlic, salt, pepper flakes and pepper; saute 1 minute longer. Remove from the heat., Stir in brandy; cook over medium heat until liquid is evaporated. Stir in cream; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat; cook for 4-6 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. , Drain pasta; toss pasta and parsley with cream sauce. Garnish with cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475 calories, Fat 32g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 185mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

CREAMY PENNE PASTA



Creamy Penne Pasta image

Make and share this Creamy Penne Pasta recipe from Food.com.

Provided by CookingONTheSide

Categories     Penne

Time 25m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup penne pasta, uncooked
1 1/2 teaspoons butter
2 1/4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
3 tablespoons half-and-half
2 tablespoons chicken broth
1 tablespoon water
3 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon sour cream

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt butter.
  • Stir in the oil, flour, garlic and seasonings until blended.
  • Gradually add the half and half, broth and water.
  • Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  • Remove from heat; stir in cheese and sour cream.
  • Drain pasta and toss with the sauce.

CREAMY SAUSAGE PENNE PASTA RECIPE BY TASTY



Creamy Sausage Penne Pasta Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: penne pasta, onion, mushrooms, cherry tomato, green pepper, green chiles, garlic cloves, sausages, marinara sauce, cream, salt, pepper, red chili powder, shredded mozzarella cheese

Provided by Atiyyah Kader

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 packet penne pasta
1 onion
15 mushrooms, sliced
cherry tomato, handful
1 green pepper, diced
2 green chiles, chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
6 sausages, sliced in circles and cooked well
1 cup marinara sauce
2 cups cream
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon red chili powder
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions and set aside.
  • In a separate pan, dice your onions and saute til golden-brown. To this, add garlic cloves, cherry tomatoes, green peppers and mushrooms, and allow to braise together for 10-15 min on medium heat.
  • Add salt, green chilis, pepper and crushed red chili's. Mix well.
  • Then, add tomato pasta sauce and fresh cream and simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes. Once combined, add cooked sausages and cook for another 5 minutes.
  • To the pan, add cooked pasta inside, mix well, and add grated mozzarella.
  • Serve topped with grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 382 calories, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 12 grams, Sugar 4 grams

CREAMY TOMATO TUNA PENNE PASTA



Creamy Tomato Tuna Penne Pasta image

Believe it or not, cream of tomato soup used as a pasta sauce!

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 30m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 ⅔ ounces tuna packed in olive oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 pinch dried oregano
1 pinch red pepper flakes, or more as needed
3 cups cream of tomato soup, not from concentrate
½ cup water
14 ½ ounces dry penne pasta
⅔ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh tarragon
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 pinch red pepper flakes, for garnish
¼ cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Steps:

  • Combine tuna and olive oil, garlic, anchovy paste, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir and cook for 1 minute once oil begins to sizzle.
  • Stir in cream of tomato soup and water. Increase heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne, and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until just slightly undercooked, about 11 minutes; drain.
  • Stir cooked pasta into soup mixture; stir in 2/3 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and tarragon. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
  • Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and cook for an additional minute.
  • Garnish with additional Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and red pepper flakes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1269.4 calories, Carbohydrate 202.3 g, Cholesterol 61.9 mg, Fat 22.1 g, Fiber 9 g, Protein 72.4 g, SaturatedFat 8.7 g, Sodium 3019.4 mg, Sugar 33.4 g

CREAMY HAM AND PENNE PASTA



Creamy Ham and Penne Pasta image

Make and share this Creamy Ham and Penne Pasta recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ROTEL

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 20m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

8 ounces dry penne pasta, uncooked
1/2 cup frozen green pea
1 (10 ounce) can Ro*Tel® Mild Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, undrained
1 (8 ounce) package reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed (Neufchatel)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup chopped fully cooked lean ham

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt; add peas last 2 minutes of cook time. Drain; set aside and keep warm.
  • In pan used for pasta, combine all remaining ingredients. Cook and stir over medium heat until cheese melts and mixture is bubbly. Stir in pasta and peas.
  • COOK'S TIPS: If your family prefers more heat, use Ro*Tel® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 435.9, Fat 15.9, SaturatedFat 8.8, Cholesterol 53.3, Sodium 690, Carbohydrate 54.7, Fiber 7.8, Sugar 5, Protein 19.5

CREAMY VEGAN PUMPKIN PENNE PASTA



Creamy Vegan Pumpkin Penne Pasta image

This creamy vegan pasta is blended with sugar pie pumpkin (can substitute with butternut squash) sage, onion, tomatoes, and basil. Blended in a high-speed blender, food processor, or Vitamix® topped with fresh basil makes this the perfect dish for fall or winter.

Provided by Emily

Categories     Fruits and Vegetables     Vegetables     Squash

Time 6h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 ½ cups raw cashews
9 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 small sugar pie pumpkin, halved and seeded
5 fresh sage leaves
1 yellow onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon oregano
sea salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 (16 ounce) packages penne pasta
¼ cup fresh basil, or to taste

Steps:

  • Place cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Soak 4 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse cashews.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Drizzle 3 tablespoons oil in a baking dish and add pumpkin, cut-sides down. Pierce a few holes in the skin using a fork. Cover with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Add sage leaves to the baking dish with the pumpkin, replace aluminum foil, and bake until pumpkin is very tender, about 5 minutes more. Remove from oven and keep covered; let pumpkin and sage continue to steam 10 to 15 minutes more.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce, steamed sage leaves, dried basil, oregano, and salt. Cook and stir until incorporated, about 10 minutes. Scrape pumpkin flesh into skillet. Add coconut milk. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes more. Remove and discard sage leaves.
  • Fill blender halfway with tomato mixture and add 1/2 the soaked cashews. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cover and hold lid down with a potholder; pulse a few times before leaving on to blend until smooth and creamy. Add remaining 4 tablespoons olive oil and blend again. Pour into a pot. Repeat with remaining tomato mixture. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Return pasta to the pot.
  • Stir 1/2 the sauce into the pot with the cooked pasta. Add more as needed to coat. Add reserved pasta water, 1/4 cup at a time, to thin sauce to desired creamy consistency. Add remaining sauce as desired. Top with fresh basil and serve hot.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 441 calories, Carbohydrate 66.1 g, Fat 15.3 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 13.7 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 249.8 mg, Sugar 5.5 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the pasta will taste. Use fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese, and choose a good quality pasta that holds its shape well when cooked.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means that the pasta should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and unpleasant to eat.
  • Don't overcrowd the pot: When cooking the pasta, make sure to use a large enough pot so that the pasta has plenty of room to move around. If the pot is too small, the pasta will stick together and become clumpy.
  • Salt the pasta water: Adding salt to the pasta water helps to flavor the pasta and prevent it from sticking together. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every pound of pasta.
  • Use a flavorful sauce: The sauce is what really makes a pasta dish special. Choose a sauce that is flavorful and complements the other ingredients in the dish.
  • Garnish the pasta: A simple garnish can really elevate the look and taste of a pasta dish. Try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or toasted nuts on top of the pasta before serving.

Conclusion:

Creamy penne pasta is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or for a more special occasion. With a few simple tips, you can make a creamy penne pasta that is sure to impress your friends and family.

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