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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.
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 was so simple and so delicious. It seems like it could be pretty flexible with ingredients, although I happened to have everything on hand. I topped with a huge pile of the salad and it was so fresh and not heavy feeling. Highly recommend!
Hey Mary,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! Have a great Sunday:) xTieghan
Made this for dinner and loved it so much made it for lunch the next day 🙂
Hey Taylor,
I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xxTieghan
So melt the butter with the garlic and seasonings and then cook the pasta with those things in it? It sounds delicious!
Hey Kaylee,
Yes, that is correct! I hope you love the recipe:) xTieghan
Super amazing!
Hey Christina,
I am so glad this recipe was a winner, thanks a bunch for giving it a try! xxTieghan
Just made this and WOW it could become one of my weeknight go-to’s. The easier ingredients, incredibly minimal chopping and prep (just requires cutting some garlic and shallots), and it comes together so quickly. I used spinach instead of arugula because i had it on hand and it still tasted wonderful.
Hey Rachel,
Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a go, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed!! xTieghan
Made this tonight: followed the recipe exactly as written – delicious! Served the arugula salad on the side with grilled chicken. Both my sons and I enjoyed every bite. Thank you
Hey Susan,
Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a go, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed!! xTieghan
How would you make this if you were to cook the pasta beforehand? Skip adding water? My family and I make fresh pasta, so I was thinking of cooking the pasta separately and pour the sauce over after since fresh pasta cooks so quickly.
Hey Christina,
I would just make the sauce separately, skip the water and then add the sauce to your fresh pasta. I hope you love the recipe, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
So delicious and easy! I added some leftover chicken and it was perfect.
Hey Maria,
Thanks a bunch for making this recipe, I am so glad it was enjoyed! xxTieghan
Yumm. This hit the spot! I used brown rice pasta, coconut milk and dairy free cream cheese and it turned out so well!! I was worried it would taste coconuty but it didn’t at all! So fast and easy. I also added roasted broccoli 🙂 will be making this on rotation
Hey Anni,
I am delighted that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it! xTieghan
This was super easy to make and SO delicious. Quite flavorful for a creamy pasta that can sometimes come out flat if not seasoned well. The arugula salad is a MUST with fresh basil, made the pasta so bright and fresh. Will absolutely be adding this to the rotation!
Hey Allison,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a fantastic week! xTieghan
Sooooo good! Followed the recipe exactly and it made a delicious, cheesy pasta! Would definitely make again.
Hey Abby,
Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I am delighted that it was enjoyed! Have a fantastic week! xTieghan
Delicious!! Love the arugula “salad” on top and the fact that it’s all made in one pot! Will definitely be making again.
Hey Kristen,
Happy Sunday! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am thrilled that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
Just made this, and WOW was it good! The whole process took only 40 minutes, which includes getting out all the ingredients, prepping things like garlic and the shallot, actually cooking, and plating.
Fabulous flavors! Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs. They really add something special. Yet another hit from HBH.
Hey Marisa,
Fantastic! I am thrilled this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for giving it a go! Happy Friday:) xTieghan
Made this last night for my boyfriend’s birthday. Absolutely delicious! He said this is one of the best pasta dishes he’s had.
Hey Stef,
Thanks so much! I am so glad the recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
Delicious!! The spicy arugula really makes the dish….the tang of the arugula cuts the richness of the pasta perfectly. Have sent to several people and will make this a regular in the rotation!!
Hey Anne,
Thanks so much! I am so glad the recipe was enjoyed, thanks for making it! xTieghan
Hey just wondering if spaghetti pasta would work the same in this recipe? I only have spaghetti in the pantry.
Hey Abby,
I’ve not tried this recipe with a long, thin noodle like spaghetti. I would try using a short cut pasta similar to penne like a rigatoni. I hope you love the pasta, please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan