Creamy White Pasta Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy white pasta sauce is perfect for a comforting meal that comes together quickly. Made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, and Parmesan, it coats penne pasta beautifully for a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Penne Pasta
• ¼ cup Butter
• ¼ cup Flour
• 2 tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Milk
• ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Whisk in the flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Continue stirring until the sauce comes to a boil and thickens.
5. Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Add cooked shrimp, chicken, ham, or smoked sausage for extra protein.
• Mix in roasted garlic cloves to boost garlic flavor in the sauce.
• Incorporate vegetables like broccoli, peas, sweet corn, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Season with fresh herbs such as basil or oregano, or try red chili flakes for some heat.
• Substitute zucchini noodles for pasta to reduce carbs while keeping the dish flavorful.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to turn this sauce into a classic béchamel.

Storage

Store leftover pasta with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli, farfalle, or fettuccine. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this sauce dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free milk and cheese. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will be slightly different.

Creamy White Pasta Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

This creamy White Pasta Sauce recipe is a classic béchamel-based sauce made with butter, garlic, flour, chicken broth, milk, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s a comforting and versatile dish that can be easily customized with proteins, vegetables, or extra seasonings for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 1 lb Penne Pasta

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup Butter
• ¼ cup Flour
• 2 tsp Minced Garlic
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 1 cup Milk
• ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the garlic’s aroma without browning it.
3. Make the Roux: Whisk in the flour to the butter and garlic mixture. Continue to cook, whisking constantly for one minute, until the mixture thickens slightly and turns a light golden color.
4. Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while continuing to stir until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Incorporate Cheese and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated with the creamy white sauce.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious homemade white pasta sauce!

Notes

• Protein: Add shrimp, chicken, ham, or smoked sausage to the sauce for a protein boost.
• Extra Garlic: Incorporate roasted garlic cloves for a deeper garlic flavor.
• Veggies: Mix in vegetables like broccoli, green peas, sweet corn, spinach, bell peppers, onions, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• Seasoning: Enhance flavor with fresh herbs (basil, thyme, oregano) or spices like red chili flakes or Italian seasoning. Try cheddar cheese for a variation.
• Low-Carb Variation: Serve over zucchini noodles instead of pasta for a lower-carb option.
• Béchamel Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg for a classic French béchamel sauce twist.

Keywords: white pasta sauce, béchamel sauce, creamy pasta sauce, penne pasta, Parmesan cheese sauce, easy pasta recipe, garlic pasta sauce