Creamy White Pasta Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/creamy-white-pasta-sauce-recipe/
