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
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
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.
