creamy white pasta sauce recipe

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

I’m so excited to share this creamy white pasta sauce recipe with you all. This sauce is a staple in our household, and I’ve been making it for years. It’s a simple yet rich and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.

My family loves it when I serve it with linguine or fettuccine, and it’s also great as a base for other pasta dishes. I’ve experimented with various ingredients over the years, but this recipe remains my favorite. The key to making a great creamy white pasta sauce is to use high-quality ingredients and to cook the sauce slowly over low heat.

This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a smooth and velvety texture that’s just divine. I love serving this sauce with some steamed vegetables or a side salad for a quick and easy meal that’s also healthy and delicious. My kids always ask for seconds, and I’m happy to oblige because it’s just that good.

In fact, I often make a double batch so we can enjoy it throughout the week. The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal preparation time. Just sauté some garlic, onions, and herbs in butter, then add in some heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and cooked chicken or shrimp if desired.

Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens up nicely, then serve over your favorite pasta dish. Trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed! This creamy white pasta sauce recipe has become a family favorite over the years, and I’m sure it will be yours too once you give it a try.

Creamy White Pasta Sauce

4.8 from 1783 votes

A rich and velvety white pasta sauce made with garlic, butter, and cream. This sauce pairs perfectly with any type of pasta and can be customized with your favorite herbs and vegetables.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz pasta

For the Sauce

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup flour
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
3Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
4While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light brown color and smells nutty.
6Gradually add the milk to the skillet, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
8Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
9Continue to cook the sauce for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
10If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with some of the reserved pasta water.
11Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
12Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
13Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated.
14If the sauce is too thick, add a little more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
15Serve the creamy white pasta sauce immediately, while it is hot and bubbly.
16Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Large skillet
Whisk
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add cooked vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp to make this dish more hearty. For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Creamy White Pasta Sauce Works

This creamy white pasta sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests at a special gathering.

It’s also incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations.

One of my favorite ways to serve this sauce is with some steamed vegetables on top – it adds an extra burst of flavor without overpowering the delicate taste of the pasta.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy White Pasta Sauce

Q: What type of pasta pairs well with this creamy white sauce?

A: Linguine or fettuccine are my top choices when it comes to pairing with this sauce. However, you can also use other long, flat noodles like spaghetti or angel hair if you prefer.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time by preparing the garlic butter mixture and letting it sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before cooking the rest of the ingredients.

Q: How do I store leftover creamy white pasta sauce?

A: Store leftover creamy white pasta sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream?

A: While low-fat cream will work in a pinch, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the final product.

Q: Can I add protein like cooked chicken or shrimp to this recipe?

A: Yes, adding cooked chicken or shrimp is a great way to boost the protein content of this dish.

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