White Sauce Pasta
🍴 Serves: 4
⏱️ Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins
✅ Ingredients:
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the pasta)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
2. Make the White Sauce (Béchamel Sauce):
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to make a smooth paste (this is called a roux). Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the roux is golden and fragrant, but not browned.
Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming. If you’re using heavy cream, add it now for extra richness.
Continue to cook the mixture, whisking frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, if desired, for added flavor and richness.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the white sauce and toss to coat, ensuring that all the pasta is evenly covered with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
4. Serve:
Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
🍽️ To Serve:
Serve your creamy white sauce pasta with a side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or even a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese for added flavor.
📝 Tips:
Add-ins: Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, vegetables (like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli), or bacon to the pasta for extra flavor and texture.
Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Thicker Sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, you can add more cheese or reduce the sauce by cooking it longer.
Enjoy this creamy and delicious White Sauce Pasta, a perfect comfort food dish for any time of the week! 🍝🧀