If you’ve been searching for a creamy, comforting dish with just the right balance of richness and flavor, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of perfectly cooked penne pasta smothered in a luscious homemade white sauce that’s both velvety and cheesy. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe offers a wonderful harmony of simple ingredients coming together to create a warm, satisfying meal that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s creamy texture, subtle garlic aroma, and cheesy goodness, making sure every bite is packed with flavor and a delightful bite.
- Penne pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce well without becoming mushy.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and acts as the base for the fragrant garlic flavor in the sauce.
- Minced garlic: Provides a savory kick that elevates the sauce’s depth.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the white sauce into its signature creamy consistency.
- Milk: Makes the sauce smooth and luscious without overpowering the other flavors.
- Chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory note and lightens the sauce just enough.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Brings that irresistible salty, nutty finish to the sauce.
- Dried parsley: A splash of color and mild herbal aroma to keep things fresh.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes or salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the richness.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- Shredded mozzarella or extra parmesan (optional): Mars the final touch with a gooey melt that makes this pasta incredibly indulgent.
How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cooking the pasta
Start by boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a firm bite, which is key to avoiding mushiness once combined with the sauce. After cooking, drain it thoroughly to prevent any watery sauce later, then set the pasta aside to be mixed into the creamy white sauce.
Step 2: Sautéing the garlic and making the roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute until the kitchen fills with that irresistible garlic aroma. Next, stir in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cooking this mixture for about a minute ensures the flour’s raw taste is gone and will help thicken your sauce perfectly without lumps. This step is the foundation of that smooth, luscious texture you’re after.
Step 3: Creating the white sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring continuously. This constant stirring is the secret to achieving a perfectly smooth sauce without a single lump. Keep cooking and stirring the mixture for around five minutes as it thickens into a creamy base. Once thickened, add in the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt or regular salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, delivering that irresistible cheesy flavor and ideal seasoning balance.
Step 4: Combining pasta and finishing with cheese
Time to bring it all together! Add your cooked penne to the creamy white sauce, gently tossing everything so the pasta is thoroughly coated. For an extra touch of cheesiness and gooey delight, stir in the shredded mozzarella or more parmesan cheese as it melts right into the dish. Serve this pasta warm and watch it disappear fast at the table.
How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a dash of extra grated parmesan cheese on top to enhance the visual appeal and complement the herby, cheesy flavors. A light drizzle of olive oil or a few cracked black peppercorns also add a lovely finishing touch that your guests will notice.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands beautifully on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch of these sides balance the richness of the creamy White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe perfectly, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in deep bowls or rustic casserole dishes garnished with edible flowers or microgreens. You can also bake it briefly with extra mozzarella on top to get a bubbly, golden crust that’s as rewarding to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, but a quick stir with a splash of milk before reheating will restore that creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe for up to one month, but be aware that dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. Freeze the pasta and sauce in a tightly sealed container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a little milk or broth during reheating helps loosen the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you choose to microwave, do so in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the white sauce, you can swap in rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti based on your preference. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
If you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe becomes completely vegetarian-friendly, maintaining its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the classic version relies on dairy for creaminess, you can substitute dairy milk with unsweetened plant-based milk and use vegan cheese alternatives, though the texture and taste will be a bit different but still enjoyable.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If you want a thicker sauce, allow the sauce to cook a bit longer while stirring. For a thinner sauce, simply add a splash more milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
What is the best cheese to use for the sauce?
Parmesan cheese is the classic choice for its sharp, nutty flavor that melts beautifully into the white sauce. You can add mozzarella for creaminess or experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of creamy, cheesy pasta made from scratch, and this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe delivers that comforting joy every time. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner but special enough to impress anyone you’re cooking for. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite go-to comfort food.
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White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy White Sauce Penne Pasta recipe features perfectly cooked penne tossed in a rich, homemade white sauce made from butter, garlic, flour, milk, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. Enhanced with parsley and seasoned to perfection, this comforting dish is quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta (about 4 cups)
White Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes, or salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to create a roux, ensuring the raw flour taste cooks out.
- Make the white sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring and cook the mixture until it thickens, about 5 minutes. Once thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and mix well to coat all the pasta evenly. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan cheese if using, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version, but the recipe is not fully vegetarian due to cheese.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make a more substantial meal.
- Use whole wheat penne pasta for added fiber and a healthier option.
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half or cream instead of milk, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste; add more garlic salt or pepper if preferred.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more milk or broth while stirring.
