Creamy Homemade White Sauce Pasta Recipe
White Sauce Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something special to treat yourself, this pasta is a great option. Made with a rich and smooth béchamel sauce (white sauce) that coats the pasta perfectly, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy and Rich: The white sauce is velvety and full of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for a weekday dinner, ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Add veggies, chicken, or even shrimp for variety.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 200g pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- Water for boiling
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
For the White Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for flavor)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup broccoli, steamed
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sautéed
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sautéed
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the White Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell of flour disappears and it turns slightly golden.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- For extra creaminess, add grated cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and White Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the white sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- If you’re adding vegetables or grilled chicken, stir them in at this point.
- Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy homemade white sauce pasta!
Tips for Perfect White Sauce Pasta
- Avoid lumps: Whisk the flour and butter well, and add the milk gradually while stirring to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Customize the veggies: You can add your favorite vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or spinach.
- Cheesy twist: Adding cheese makes the sauce even richer, but you can skip it if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Variations
- Spicy White Sauce Pasta: Add more chili flakes and some chopped jalapenos for an extra kick.
- Mushroom & Spinach White Sauce Pasta: Sauté mushrooms and spinach separately and toss them into the pasta before serving for a healthy twist.
- Chicken Alfredo Style: Add cooked chicken pieces to turn this into a more protein-rich meal, similar to chicken Alfredo.
Final Thoughts
White Sauce Pasta is a family favorite and is so easy to prepare with pantry ingredients. Whether you want to whip up a quick meal or impress your guests, this creamy pasta will always be a hit! Pair it with garlic bread for a perfect meal.