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This super easy One Pot Creamy Penne Alfredo with Spicy Arugula is the perfect easy recipe. I took a classic pasta recipe and updated it with a one pot cooking method and a rich and creamy sauce. Penne pasta tossed with herby garlic butter, then boiled until al dente. Add a splash of milk, a touch of cream, and a generous handful of parmesan cheese for a luscious, creamy penne Alfredo. Every bite of pasta has delicious Italian flavors that melt in your mouth. Fancy enough for the weekend, but easy enough to make any night of the week. And most importantly, it’s delicious!
Sharing the absolute easiest bowl of comfort food today. And you guys, it’s the perfect mid-week pasta to keep things exciting…and yes, delicious too. Growing up, fettuccini alfredo was something my dad would make only on the weekends as our special occasion pasta. Meaning dinner and a movie kind of Friday or Saturday night.
Oh my gosh, do you guys remember those days? I loved when my dad would make his creamy fettuccini and we’d all pile on the couch for a good movie. I wouldn’t mind going back for just a day or so. Simply the best, right?
Lately, I’ve been drawing some inspiration from my favorite childhood comfort foods. Which made me realize that I don’t have a good stove-top Alfredo recipe that’s simple and flavorful like Dad’s. How that is I have not a clue. But the good news is that I quickly worked to change that, and created the perfect creamy, one-pot penne alfredo.
This. Is. So. Good…and easy too!
As I said, I’ve been looking back to my days of living at home with my family for some inspiration recently. Alfredo was such a special pasta dish. We’d only have it every so often, but when my dad made it, it was always enjoyed.
I knew I wanted to create the perfect creamy alfredo that was similar to my dad’s, but all made in one pot, and hopefully just as delicious. With the addition of some spicy arugula on top, I was able to use way less cream, butter, and even cheese, to create a slightly lighter pasta. But yet still keep this dish as the super creamy, cheesy Alfredo that everyone loves.
(pasta cooking in water and butter)
Here are all the details.
As you can guess, this is so quick and easy. Start by melting together some butter, garlic, and herbs. I love to use a mix of dried basil and oregano for a classic Italian sauce. Then add water and bring to a boil. Use a pot that will be large enough to hold the pasta and sauce.
Once the water comes to a boil, add the pasta and boil until al dente. Then simply stir in all the remaining ingredients. The key is to use a touch of cream cheese for an extra added creaminess. This creates the perfect amount of creamy sauce, but still keeps things on the lighter side.
Just before the sauce is finished cooking, stir in lots and lots of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for additional flavor and to finish out the recipe.
SIMPLE but GOOD.
Now finish it up…
While the sauce simmers, mix up a simple herby, spicy arugula salad. It’s just a quick mix of olive oil, lemon, shallots, and chili flakes tossed with arugula and whatever fresh herbs you have on hand.
Serve the penne topped with the arugula and an extra dusting of parmesan…for good measure. When all combined together ’tis a very delicious meal that will remind you of your favorite restaurant-style Alfredo pasta. Or maybe, like me, it will remind you of childhood days enjoying creamy bowls of dad’s Alfredo!
What I love about this recipe is that it really does look and taste like a dish you’d order out from your favorite Italian spot. BUT, it’s all made at home in just 30 minutes, and all in ONE pot. It’s pretty hard to beat. If you wanted to add a little protein, I’d toss in some grilled or roasted pesto chicken. That would be delicious!!
Looking for other quick-cooking pasta dinners? Here are some of my favorites:
20 Minute Orzo Carbonara with Crispy Prosciutto and Burrata
20 Minute Lemon Butter Pasta with Ricotta and Spicy Breadcrumbs
One Pot Baked Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese
Lastly, if you make this One Pot Creamy Penne Alfredo with Spicy Arugula, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
One Pot Creamy Penne Alfredo with Spicy Arugula
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 447 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Watch the How-To Reel
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- red pepper flakes
- 1 pound penne pasta
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk or canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned coconut milk
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- juice from 1 lemon
- 1/2 shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1/2 cup mixed fresh herbs, such as parsley and basil
Instructions
- 1. In a large pot set over medium heat, melt together the butter, garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add 1 teaspoon salt and the pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8 minutes. Do not drain the water. Stir in the milk, cream, and cream cheese and cook until the cream cheese has melted and the pasta is al dente, about 4-5 minutes more.2. Stir in the parmesan until melted and creamy. Remove from the heat. Stir in the parsley and season with salt and pepper.3. To make the arugula, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, shallot, and a pinch each of red pepper, salt, and pepper. Add the arugula and mixed herbs, toss to coat. 4. Spoon the pasta into bowls and top with arugula and extra parmesan. Enjoy!
This post was originally published on April 14, 2021
Loved this recipe!! I baked chicken in the oven beforehand and added it in the pasta at the very end. I fed a crowd of 6 with this and everyone had a second serving! I was a bit skeptical after pouring in the sauce ingredients because the sauce looked incredibly runny and thin.. but once the parm was added it thickened up so nice and beautifully! The arugula is SUCH a great touch.
Hey Harley,
Thanks so much! I am so glad the recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
Made this today and followed the recipe 100%. I didn’t think it was going to turn out b/c it looked very watery but once the parm was added and sat for a minute, it came together beautifully!! The arugula salad on top is a must! Thank you for another delicious recipe!!
Hey Kristin,
Thanks so much! I am so glad the recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
So good! Used less heavy cream. The arugula salad n top makes this special! Thank you!
Hey Melissa,
I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for giving it a go! xxTieghan
So simple and so delish for a meatless Monday weeknight meal or even a fancy gathering! Presents beautifully, but incredibly easy!
Hey Christina,
Fantastic! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am it was enjoyed! xTieghan
I made it today and totally loved it. Only change I made is substituted spinach for arugula as pack of spinach was on hand. Thank you for delicious recipe.
Hey there,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Monday! xTieghan
So good and quick! Easy but satisfying for busy weeknights
Hey Jenn,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Monday! xTieghan
This is awesome! Fix just like she says! Thank you for sharing!
Hey Hilary,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Monday! xTieghan
This was absolutely delicious! Instead of the salad, I pan seared some salmon and added on top of pasta after playing.
Hey Michele,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Monday! xTieghan
Run, do not walk, to make this recipe! So creamy and delicious as always.
Hey Emily,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad it was enjoyed! Happy Monday! xTieghan
I needed to make this recipe with GF pasta. I reduced the water by half a cup, and used macarpone instead of cream cheese. But the dish fell flat and the sauce didn’t stick to the pasta (a common problem using GF pasta). I added more parmesan. Can you provide any recommendations to make this dish more flavorful using GF pasta?
Hey Merrill,
Thanks for trying the recipe, I would maybe try a different brand of GF noodles, Rummo makes a great option that you can order from Amazon. I hope this helps! xTieghan
As per usual, another hit from you! What I loved about this dish was how easy it was to come together (even with a newborn wrapped on me in a sling!), but the flavors were developed enough to taste like a real meal. I really liked the addition of the arugula salad on top, because the bright flavor cut through the richness. That being said, this wasn’t an overly heavy Alfredo by any means. I only had 2% milk instead of whole milk, and it came out with fine consistency. I did still use the heavy cream though. Will definitely make again. Thank you 🙂
Hey Caitlin,
Wonderful!! I am so so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! Happy Sunday! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious! Just finished devouring this. Highly recommend. I was out of dried basil and dried oregano but used the equivalent volume of an “italian blend” I had in the pantry and it worked just fine. I also cut everything by a third, to make just two servings, no issues there. I also served the arugula alongside as a salad, instead of on top, and ate it with a chicken breast I’d baked to include some protein. All in all, adding this recipe to the weeknight rotation for sure.
Hey Sarah,
Wonderful!! I am so so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! Happy Sunday! xTieghan
If I could give this 6 stars, I would! Wow this was delicious! Super quick and easy too, which is a bonus. I will definitely be making this again.
Hey Janice,
Wonderful!! I am so so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks a lot for giving it a try! Happy Sunday! xTieghan
Really good flavor, but the pasta took longer to cook. It think I will add a little more water to cook it longer and more cream, milk, and cheese to make it creamer. My family loved it, and I will make it again.
Hey Julie,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! xTieghan
One of my new favorite pasta recipes! I made this for dinner tonight and my family devoured it. This recipe was simple and easy to make, which was a huge win for someone like me who struggles in the kitchen. I definitely saving this recipe and will be making it for friends in the future. So creamy and flavorful with not a ton of ingredients! Simply the best!!! Can’t wait to make it again in the future!
Hey Steph,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a great weekend! xTieghan