simple white sauce pasta recipe

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

I’ve been making this simple white sauce pasta recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. The dish is incredibly easy to prepare, and the result is a creamy, comforting meal that never fails to impress. I love how the white sauce coats the pasta, making each bite feel like a special treat.

My kids adore it, and it’s often the go-to option when they’re feeling under the weather or need a pick-me-up after school. As for me, I appreciate how versatile this recipe is – it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like a holiday feast. The best part?

It’s surprisingly healthy, thanks to the use of low-fat milk and minimal ingredients. Over time, I’ve tweaked the recipe to suit my family’s tastes, but its core remains the same. This white sauce pasta recipe has become a staple in our kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you today.

One of the reasons I love this recipe so much is that it’s incredibly easy to customize. Want to add some extra flavor? Throw in some garlic or onion powder for an added depth of taste.

Need to make it more substantial? Add some cooked chicken or veggies to bulk it up. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks like myself who need something reliable and delicious on hand.

Simple White Sauce Pasta

4.7 from 963 votes

A creamy and comforting pasta dish made with a simple white sauce. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the White Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warm
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt and then add the pasta.
3Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
4Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
5While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
6Once the butter is fully melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour.
7Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden color and smells nutty.
8Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps.
9Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth.
10Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
11Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
12Remove the saucepan from the heat.
13Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese if using.
14Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
15If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
16Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the white sauce.
17Toss gently with tongs or a spoon until all the pasta is evenly coated.
18Serve immediately in warm bowls.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of milk. You can add steamed broccoli, peas, or cooked chicken for a complete meal.

Watch Video Of How Simple White Sauce Pasta Works

This simple white sauce pasta recipe has become an integral part of our family’s culinary routine.

Whether we’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or need something quick and easy for school lunches, this recipe always delivers.

It’s not only delicious but also relatively healthy – using low-fat milk keeps calories in check while packing in plenty of nutrients from whole wheat pasta and vegetables.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About White Sauce Pasta

What is white sauce pasta?

White sauce pasta is a classic Italian-American dish made with pasta, white sauce (a mixture of butter, flour, and milk), and sometimes additional ingredients like cheese or meat.

Can I use different types of pasta?

While traditional elbow macaroni is often used in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other shapes and sizes – just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta you choose.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

To avoid an overly thick consistency, be sure to stir constantly while heating the sauce over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of milk or water if needed.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe can easily be adapted to suit vegetarian diets by omitting any meat-based additions – simply focus on using flavorful seasonings and herbs instead.

Can I store leftovers in the refrigerator or freezer?

This white sauce pasta makes an excellent leftover meal when stored properly: simply refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; reheat as needed.

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