5-Minute Creamy One-Pan Penne Pasta

Name: 5-Minute Creamy One-Pan Penne Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter; 2 cloves Garlic (minced); 1/4 small Red Onion (finely chopped); 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste; 200 grams Penne Pasta (dry) (about 1.5 cups); 2-3 cups Water (enough to just cover the pasta); 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon Salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (or to taste); 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (about 120ml); 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, plus more for garnish); 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

A quick and easy one-pan pasta recipe that delivers a rich and creamy sauce with al dente penne in under 25 minutes. Perfect for a fast weeknight meal, this recipe minimizes cleanup by cooking everything in a single pan.

#Pasta

#One-Pan

#Easy Recipe

#Quick Meal

#Creamy Pasta

#Weeknight Dinner

#Italian

#5-Minute Recipe

Sautéing aromatics

Recipe Information

Prep Time

18m

Cook Time

23m

Total Time

Servings

Easy

Italian

English

Nutrition (per serving)

685

Calories

19g

Protein

75g

Carbs

32g

Fat

Pasta and ingredients simmering

Ingredients

Servings: 2

💡 Tip: Check off ingredients as you add them to keep track of your progress!

Finished pasta in the pan with garnish

Instructions

0/5 completed

1
In a large pan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
Preview
3m
Preview
In a large pan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3m
Don't burn the garlic; keep the heat at medium. A softened onion will add more flavor to the sauce.
2
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor. Then add the dry penne pasta directly to the pan. Pour in enough water to just cover the pasta. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Preview
2m
Preview
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to deepen its flavor. Then add the dry penne pasta directly to the pan. Pour in enough water to just cover the pasta. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
2m
Using hot water can speed up the cooking process slightly. Ensure all pasta is submerged for even cooking.
3
Pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Most of the liquid should be absorbed.
Preview
10m
Preview
Pour in the heavy cream. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Most of the liquid should be absorbed.
10m
If the sauce becomes too thick before the pasta is cooked, add a splash more water or milk. If it's too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
4
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is well combined with the sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Preview
2m
Preview
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and is well combined with the sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
2m
Adding Parmesan off the heat prevents it from clumping and ensures a smoother, creamier texture.
5
Serve the creamy one-pan pasta immediately in bowls, optionally with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Preview
1m
Preview
Serve the creamy one-pan pasta immediately in bowls, optionally with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
1m
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.