pasta white cream sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best pasta white cream sauce recipe

I’ve been making pasta white cream sauce for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite dishes. It’s a classic recipe that originated in Italy, but has been adapted and modified over time to suit our tastes.

The first time I made it, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare and how delicious it turned out. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites – they can easily help with measuring out the ingredients and stirring the sauce.

The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile, so you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your needs. We’ve had it for family gatherings, holidays, and even just a quick weeknight dinner.

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients and not overcooking the pasta, so it retains its texture and flavor. This sauce is creamy and rich, but still light enough to enjoy with a salad or some roasted vegetables.

It’s also relatively healthy, considering the amount of cream used – just be sure to use low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter option. My family loves this dish so much that we’ve even started making it for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

Creamy White Sauce Pasta

4.6 from 1491 votes

A comforting pasta dish with a rich, creamy white sauce made from scratch. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz pasta

For the White Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano

For Garnish

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the pasta.
Set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5Add flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
6This is called a roux and should have a nutty aroma.
7Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
8Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
9This should take about 5-7 minutes.
10The sauce should be smooth and velvety.
11Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried basil, and dried oregano.
12Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
13The sauce should be well combined and fragrant.
14Add the cooked pasta to the white sauce and toss gently to combine.
15If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
16The pasta should be evenly coated and the sauce should be creamy.
17Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
18The dish should be hot and the cheese should be melted slightly.
19Enjoy your creamy white sauce pasta.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

This pasta white cream sauce recipe has been a staple in our household for years – it’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and versatile enough to serve at any occasion. We love serving it as a main course with some roasted vegetables on the side, but you can also serve it as a side dish with your favorite protein.

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it reheats – simply warm it up gently over low heat until warmed through, and serve hot over cooked pasta. If you’re planning ahead for a special occasion or family gathering, consider making this sauce ahead of time and freezing it until needed – just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy White Sauce Pasta

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this white cream sauce recipe, I recommend using a high-quality pasta that will hold onto the sauce well, such as fettuccine or linguine. You can also use other types of pasta like spaghetti or bucatini if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this sauce without heavy cream?

While heavy cream is a key ingredient in this recipe, you can substitute it with other options like half-and-half or a non-dairy milk if you’re looking for a lighter version.

Q: How do I store leftover white cream sauce?

You can store leftover white cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze this sauce?

This sauce freezes well, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after thawing. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen until warmed through.

Q: What are some variations on this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding different seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs to give it more flavor. Alternatively, you can add some cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to make it more nutritious.

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