If you’re searching for a creamy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful balance of rich, garlicky white sauce and perfectly cooked penne pasta, bringing together simple ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers indulgence without complexity, showing how a few key components can transform into a luscious, satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe, and it’s a great reminder that fantastic dishes often come from simple, quality staples. Each addition here plays a crucial role—bringing creaminess, flavor, texture, and that irresistible cheesy goodness that makes this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe a standout.
- Penne pasta (16 ounces): The perfect shape to hold onto every bit of sauce with its ridged, tube form.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce’s base without overpowering other flavors.
- Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Infuses the sauce with a robust aroma and subtle spiciness that wakes up your palate.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Essential for creating the roux that thickens the sauce to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Milk (1 cup): Brings creaminess while keeping the sauce light and smooth.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Enhances the depth of flavor and balances the creaminess with a savory punch.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds delightful umami and that quintessential cheesy tang everyone adores.
- Dried parsley (2 teaspoons): Adds a splash of color and a fresh herbal hint that cuts through the richness.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes (to taste): Boosts seasoning and ties together all the garlic notes perfectly.
- Pepper (to taste): Provides a gentle kick that livens up every bite.
- Shredded mozzarella or extra parmesan (1/2 cup, optional): For those who love an extra cheesy stretch and gooey texture.
How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. This firm but tender texture ensures it holds up beautifully when coated in the rich white sauce. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside so it’s ready to be enveloped by our creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until its fragrance fills your kitchen—that’s when you know you’re on the right track. Next, stir in the all-purpose flour to make a roux, cooking it for about another minute. This step is crucial because it cooks out the raw flour taste and lays the foundation for the silky sauce ahead.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. The magic happens right here as the sauce thickens gently over about five minutes. Once you see it clinging to the back of your spoon and smelling heavenly, it’s time to stir in the grated parmesan, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully, yielding a smooth, luscious sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now for the best part: add the cooked penne into the sauce. Give it a generous stir to ensure every piece is luxuriously coated. If you’re a cheese lover, fold in the shredded mozzarella or extra parmesan now so it melts into gooey perfection. Serve the pasta warm immediately, and savor that dreamy blend of creamy, garlicky goodness.
How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate this delicious dish. Consider sprinkling a little extra dried or fresh parsley on top for a pop of green color and brightness. A few twists of freshly ground black pepper or a light drizzle of olive oil can add an elegant finishing touch and deepen the flavors.
Side Dishes
Pair your White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also complements the dish perfectly, offering a crunchy, buttery contrast that’s ideal for scooping up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and a quick broil for a bubbling golden crust. You can also toss in sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or steamed veggies to create a more robust, nutrient-packed meal that still revolves around your favorite creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Sauce Penne Pasta keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freezing is an option. Place the pasta in a freezer-safe container, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep well for up to two months, though be aware the texture might soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps restore the creamy consistency and prevents the sauce from thickening too much. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to evenly warm the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the white sauce, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Swap the butter with vegan margarine, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and substitute the parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Can I add vegetables to the White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers make fantastic additions. Toss them in when combining the pasta with the sauce to keep everything warm and integrated.
How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If your sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer while stirring until it reaches your desired thickness. For a thinner sauce, add a little extra milk or broth, stirring well to incorporate.
What cheese works best if I don’t have parmesan?
Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great substitutes that provide a similar salty, nutty flavor. You can also try Asiago cheese for a slightly milder taste. Just grate it fresh for the best melt and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe enough if you’re craving comfort food that feels homemade and indulgent without any fuss. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table, perfect for any day of the week. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself coming back to this creamy, garlicky pasta again and again.
Print
White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and flavorful White Sauce Penne Pasta dish featuring a smooth parmesan-infused white sauce made from a homemade roux, combined with perfectly cooked penne pasta for a comforting and easy meal.
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
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare White Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to release its aroma without burning.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to form a roux and cook out the raw flour taste.
- Create the Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, which takes about 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Finish the Sauce: Once thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, mixing thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the white sauce.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan until fully melted and incorporated to enhance richness and texture.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk, but the sauce may be less creamy.
- To add protein, grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms make excellent additions.
- Fresh parsley can be used instead of dried for a fresher taste, add it at the end of cooking.
- Be sure to stir constantly when adding liquids to prevent lumps in the sauce.
