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To make the best Restaurant-Style Garlic Penne, gather these ingredients: - 12 oz penne pasta - 6 tablespoons olive oil - 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving) - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use whole wheat penne for a healthier pasta option. - Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor. - If you lack fresh basil, use dried basil. Just cut the amount in half. - For a vegan version, try nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Choosing the right brands makes a big difference. Here are some I trust: - Barilla for penne pasta, as it cooks well. - Pompeian for high-quality olive oil, rich in flavor. - BelGioioso for Parmesan cheese, known for its great taste. - Fresh basil from local markets ensures the best flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. You want it to be at a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, but save 1 cup of the pasta water. While the pasta cooks, heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 8 cloves of thinly sliced garlic. Cook it for about 2-3 minutes. Wait until the garlic is fragrant and golden brown. You must watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Next, add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything well. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften. Now, add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss it with the garlic and tomatoes. If it looks dry, add some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you get your desired sauce. Take the skillet off the heat. Fold in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix it until everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Use a large pot for boiling water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. - Salt your water well. This adds flavor to the pasta. - Stir the pasta in the first few minutes. This prevents it from sticking together. - Test the pasta a minute before the time is up. You want it to be firm but not hard. To make your dish look professional, serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl. Use tongs to twirl the pasta into a neat mound. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top. You can also add a touch of lemon zest for a pop of color. To boost flavor in your garlic penne, focus on fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic offers a strong taste that dried garlic can't match. Use high-quality olive oil for a rich base. You can also add a splash of white wine while cooking the garlic. This gives depth and a hint of sweetness. Don’t forget the lemon zest! It brightens flavors and adds a refreshing zing. Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice level. More flakes create heat, while less offers a mild touch. Finally, always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. For the best texture, cook your penne pasta just until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Remember to save some pasta water! This starchy water helps create a silky sauce. When mixing everything, toss gently. This keeps the penne intact and prevents mushiness. If the pasta seems dry, add pasta water slowly. This ensures the sauce clings well without becoming watery. Garlic penne pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the dish perfectly. Garlic bread is a classic choice to soak up any leftover sauce. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio enhances the meal. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. This adds a refreshing touch without overpowering the pasta. Don't hesitate to be creative with your pairings! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a much stronger flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. Thinly slice the cloves for a more pronounced taste. Control the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if needed. Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It’s great for adjusting the sauce consistency. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top. They enhance the dish's flavor and presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. For a vegetarian twist, skip the cheese or use a plant-based substitute. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you want a vegan option, use olive oil and fresh veggies. Add more cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients. This keeps the dish fresh and vibrant. To make this dish heartier, add protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. For chicken, cook it in the skillet before adding the garlic. For shrimp, toss them in with the garlic and cook until pink. Both options give the dish a nice boost. You can also use tofu for a vegetarian protein source. Just sauté it with the garlic for added texture. You can change the flavor to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes. If you love creamy sauces, stir in heavy cream or a vegan cream. This makes the dish rich and smooth. You can also play with herbs. Try adding oregano or thyme for a different taste. Each variation brings a new twist to this classic dish. After enjoying your garlic penne, let it cool down first. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh and helps prevent drying. If you have extra garlic oil or sauce, add a little to keep it flavorful. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often to warm evenly. If you prefer, you can also use the microwave. Cover the dish to keep the steam in, and heat for one minute at a time. Garlic penne lasts about three days in the fridge. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use other pasta shapes. Bowtie, spaghetti, or fettuccine work well. Just cook them according to their package instructions. The key is to keep the same flavors. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free penne. Many brands offer great options made from rice or corn. Follow the same cooking steps as regular pasta. Garlic penne pairs well with many sides. Try a simple green salad or garlic bread. Roasted vegetables also complement the dish nicely. Yes, you can prepare garlic penne ahead. Cook the pasta and sauce, then store them separately. Reheat both before serving. Add fresh basil and cheese just before you serve. This blog post covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips for making garlic penne. I shared ways to adapt the dish for different diets and flavors. You learned how to store leftovers and reheat them perfectly. The answers to common questions will guide you as you cook. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that impresses at any table. Enjoy making your own garlic penne!

Restaurant-Style Garlic Penne

A delicious and easy-to-make garlic penne pasta dish, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 lemon Zest of
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

  • 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 reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  • While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced garlic and cook until it becomes fragrant and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  • Add the red pepper flakes and cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring well. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
  • Toss the drained penne pasta into the skillet with the garlic and tomatoes, mixing everything well. If the pasta seems dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency.
  • Remove the skillet from heat, then fold in the grated Parmesan, chopped basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword garlic, Italian, pasta, quick meal