pasta with white sauce recipe

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

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite pasta recipes – a classic pasta with white sauce. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and for good reason. It’s a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for the weekend, this recipe never fails to hit the spot. As an Italian-American mom, I’ve always been passionate about cooking traditional dishes that bring people together. And this pasta with white sauce is no exception.

It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in Italian cuisine, but with a few tweaks and twists to make it my own. The combination of tender pasta, rich white sauce, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese is simply irresistible. But what really sets this recipe apart is the simplicity of its ingredients.

Unlike many modern recipes that call for exotic spices and complex flavor profiles, this dish relies on just a few humble ingredients: pasta, butter, flour, milk, and parmesan cheese. And yet, despite its humble beginnings, this recipe yields a depth of flavor that’s nothing short of impressive. I remember the first time I made this recipe for my family like it was yesterday.

My kids were skeptical at first – they’d grown up on more adventurous flavors – but one bite and they were hooked. Now, it’s a staple in our household that we return to again and again. And I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll be hooked too.

So if you’re looking for a comforting meal that’s easy to make and satisfying to eat, look no further than this pasta with white sauce recipe. It’s a true classic that never goes out of style.

Pasta with White Sauce

Pasta with White Sauce

4.6 from 1094 votes

A creamy and comforting pasta dish featuring a rich white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. This simple recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine or your preferred pasta
1 tbsp salt for pasta water

For the White Sauce

4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8 to 10 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
3In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it is fully melted and bubbling.
4Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and forms a smooth paste.
5Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
6Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to low and stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
8Add the grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the white sauce and toss gently with tongs or a wooden spoon until all the pasta is evenly coated.
10Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 13g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 16g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduce the butter to 3 tablespoons. Add steamed broccoli, peas, or cooked chicken for extra flavor and texture.

Watch Video Of How Pasta with White Sauce Works

This pasta with white sauce recipe is a true classic that never goes out of style. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions alike.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or as part of a larger spread, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.

And as an added bonus, this recipe makes excellent leftovers – just store them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer and reheat when needed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta with White Sauce

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

A: For this recipe, I recommend using a high-quality all-purpose pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine. The long shape allows the sauce to cling to it beautifully.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the white sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Q: Is there anything I can substitute for parmesan cheese?

A: While parmesan cheese is an essential component of this recipe, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Grana Padano if you prefer.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

A: To prevent the sauce from becoming too thick, make sure to stir constantly when adding the milk mixture to the butter mixture.

Q: Can I freeze this recipe?

A: Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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