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
Scale
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.
