white cream sauce pasta recipe

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

I’ve been making white cream sauce pasta for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. My kids love the creamy sauce and the way the pasta is cooked to perfection.

I love how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – we can have it for a quick weeknight dinner or for a special occasion like a holiday gathering. The best part is that it’s a relatively healthy option compared to some of the other pasta sauces out there.

The key to making a great white cream sauce pasta is to use high-quality ingredients, like fresh garlic and real butter, and to not overcook the pasta. This ensures that the sauce stays creamy and the pasta stays al dente.

I also like to add some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor. My family always asks for seconds, which is a sign that this recipe is a winner in my book.

One of the things I appreciate about white cream sauce pasta is how well it stores – I can make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. This makes it perfect for meal prep or for when I’m short on time during the week.

When I’m reheating it, I like to add a bit more butter and some extra Parmesan cheese to give it an extra boost of flavor.

White Cream Sauce Pasta

White Cream Sauce Pasta

4.5 from 1638 votes

A creamy and indulgent pasta dish made with a rich white sauce, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 480 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

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

For the White Cream Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add 1 tablespoon of salt and then add the pasta, cooking according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
4In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it foams, about 1 minute.
5Add the minced garlic and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it brown.
6Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, and whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste.
7The mixture will form a thick paste, known as a roux.
8Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
9Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 3 to 4 minutes.
10The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
11Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
12Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
13Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
14If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
15Simmer for 1 minute to heat the pasta through.
16Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
17Enjoy while hot for the best creamy texture.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large skillet or saucepan
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 480 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 7g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, substitute whole milk for heavy cream and use half the butter. You can also add cooked chicken, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor and texture.

Watch Video Of How White Cream Sauce Pasta Works

This white cream sauce pasta recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily it reheats – simply add some extra butter and Parmesan cheese, and you’re good to go!

If you’re looking for other ideas on how to serve this dish, consider adding some steamed vegetables or a simple green salad on the side.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About White Cream Sauce Pasta

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

For this recipe, you’ll want to use a high-quality pasta that can hold onto the creamy sauce. I recommend using either fettuccine or linguine – both of these long, flat noodles work beautifully with the white cream sauce.

Q: Can I make this recipe with low-fat or non-dairy alternatives?

Yes, you can definitely make this recipe with low-fat or non-dairy alternatives if you prefer. Just keep in mind that using these alternatives may affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

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

You can store leftover white cream sauce pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I add protein to this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely add protein to this recipe if you’d like. Some options include cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tofu.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute with something else?

If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter.

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