Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked penne, draped in a luxurious white wine cream sauce that whispers elegance with every bite. This isn't just another pasta recipe—it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can create right in your own kitchen. Whether you're looking to impress a date, treat yourself to a gourmet meal, or simply elevate your weeknight dinner, this Penne with White Wine Cream Sauce and Broccolini is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup broccolini, chopped
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the broccolini by trimming the tough ends and chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
- Pour white wine into the skillet and allow it to simmer and reduce by half, approximately 2-3 minutes, which will concentrate the flavor.
- Add heavy cream to the skillet, stirring continuously. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Add chopped broccolini to the cream sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender-crisp.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water in case sauce needs thinning.
- Add drained pasta directly into the skillet with cream sauce and broccolini. Toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring to incorporate. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips
- Salt your pasta water generously—it should taste like the sea. This is your first chance to season the pasta from within.
- Always reserve some pasta water before draining. The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
- When sautéing garlic, watch it carefully. It can go from fragrant to bitter in seconds, so keep the heat medium and remove from heat if it starts to brown.
- For the creamiest sauce, use room temperature heavy cream and add it slowly while stirring to prevent separation.
- Choose a white wine you'd actually enjoy drinking. The flavor concentrates as it reduces, so a good quality wine makes a noticeable difference.
- Don't overcook the broccolini—you want it tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Finish the dish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
