Penne Alfredo Recipe
Make Penne Alfredo Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Alfredo Sauce
Finish & Garnish
Method
Pasta
Bring water to a boil
In a large pot, bring 4 liters (about 4 qt) of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Salt the water
Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt to the boiling water. This seasons the pasta from the inside.
Cook penne
Add 12 oz penne to the boiling water and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package instructions (usually 10–12 minutes).
Reserve cooking water and drain
Before draining, scoop out and reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the penne in a colander and set aside.
Alfredo Sauce
Mince garlic
Peel and mince 2 garlic cloves finely (or grate them).
Melt butter and soften garlic
In a large wide sauté pan or skillet over medium-low heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add milk and cream
Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk, making sure to incorporate any roux from the pan, then add 1 cup heavy cream. Increase heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer; do not let it boil vigorously. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Season and add cheese
Lower heat to low. Stir in 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese in two additions, whisking to melt and create a smooth sauce. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Finish & Serve
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained penne to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta cooking water a few tablespoons at a time (up to 1/2 cup) until you reach a silky, clingy consistency.
Finish with oil and parsley
Drizzle 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil over the pasta and toss in 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley to brighten the flavor.
Adjust and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra grated Parmesan (about 1/4 cup) if using.