If you are craving a creamy, comforting dish that’s quick to whip up yet utterly satisfying, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is exactly the treat you need. It delivers tender penne enveloped in a luscious, cheesy white sauce bursting with garlic and parmesan goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress family and friends with a homemade Italian-style classic, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and rich flavor. Every bite is indulgent, yet approachable, making it a beloved favorite you’ll want to return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a key role in building the dish’s delightful flavor and texture. From the al dente pasta providing hearty structure to the creamy sauce’s blend of butter, garlic, and cheese, every ingredient works harmoniously.
- Penne pasta (1 16-ounce package): The tubular shape captures the rich sauce perfectly, delivering flavor in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds a silky base and mild richness without overpowering other flavors.
- Minced garlic (2 teaspoons): Infuses subtle warmth and aromatic depth to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Creates the roux that thickens the white sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Milk (1 cup): Provides creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Enhances savory notes and adds complexity to the sauce.
- Grated parmesan cheese (1 cup): Delivers sharp, salty flavor essential to white sauce pasta classics.
- Dried parsley (2 teaspoons): Adds a fresh herbal touch and subtle color contrast.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes (to taste): Seasoning that amplifies the garlic flavor while seasoning the entire dish.
- Black pepper (to taste): Brings a mild kick to balance out the creamy richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, 1/2 cup): For extra gooeyness and mellow cheese flavor if desired.
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 reaches al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. Properly cooked pasta provides the perfect canvas for the creamy sauce to cling to. Once done, drain it well to prevent any watery sauce later, and set it aside while you make your luscious white sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce Base
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until its irresistible aroma starts to fill your kitchen. This step wakes up the garlic’s flavor without burning it. Next, whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to create a smooth roux—this is what thickens your sauce and keeps it velvety without lumps.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring constantly. This careful combination avoids clumping and helps the sauce become creamy and smooth. Keep stirring over medium heat for about 5 minutes until it thickens nicely. Once it’s ready, add in the freshly grated parmesan, dried parsley, garlic salt, and black pepper. The parmesan will melt into the sauce and introduce that nutty, salty depth that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the white sauce, stirring carefully to coat every piece evenly. If you opted to use mozzarella, sprinkle it in now and mix until it melts into ooey-gooey goodness. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the pasta at its creamiest and most flavorful.
How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate this dish from lovely to spectacular. Freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves bring a touch of vibrant color and freshness. A sprinkle of extra grated parmesan or cracked black pepper on top invites an additional burst of flavor while presenting the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, perhaps with a light vinaigrette to contrast its richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is another brilliant companion that helps mop up every last bit of the creamy sauce for pure satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve this pasta in individual ramekins or shallow bowls for a cozy, restaurant-style presentation. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken on the side to customize the dish and impress your guests with colorful, tasty options.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover white sauce penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, this recipe can be frozen, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly when thawed. To freeze, cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Consume within one month for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating helps restore creaminess and brings back that beautiful saucy texture you love.
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 other shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle, depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for perfect al dente results.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian chicken broth or replace it with vegetable broth. The creamy sauce and cheese make it rich and indulgent without any meat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To create a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use unsweetened plant milk (like almond or oat), and choose a dairy-free cheese substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will differ but can still be delicious.
How do I avoid lumps in my white sauce?
The key is to whisk constantly while adding the milk and broth slowly to the roux so it blends smoothly. Cooking the flour in butter first also ensures it’s absorbed properly, giving you a silky, lump-free white sauce.
Can I add vegetables or protein to this pasta?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or grilled chicken are fantastic additions that complement the creamy sauce beautifully. Add cooked vegetables or proteins right before serving to keep their texture and flavor fresh.
Final Thoughts
This White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is a standout dish that brings warmth and comfort into your kitchen quickly and easily. Its creamy, cheesy sauce paired with perfectly cooked penne pasta makes it a true crowd-pleaser you’ll be thrilled to share with friends and family. Once you try it, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights or when you want to indulge in something truly satisfying.
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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 is a quick and delicious dish perfect for a comforting meal. Featuring al dente penne coated in a rich homemade white sauce made with butter, garlic, flour, milk, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese, it is an easy recipe that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes to serve 6 people. The addition of mozzarella lends a delightful cheesy finish, making it a family-friendly favorite.
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
Optional Cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Prepare White Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux and cook out the floury taste.
- Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Once thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the white sauce, mixing well to coat each piece evenly.
- Add Optional Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the pasta.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm immediately, enjoying the rich and creamy flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust garlic salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted butter or salted cheese.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer or add more flour when making the roux.
- To make this dish dairy-free, try using plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese substitutes.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a microwave or stovetop; add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
