Looking for a quick and creamy pasta dish? Try this easy White Sauce Pasta Recipe! With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll enjoy a delicious, comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
Who doesn’t love a bowl of creamy, comforting pasta? Whether it’s for a cozy dinner after a long day or a simple weeknight meal, white sauce pasta is a classic that never disappoints. Its rich, velvety sauce and satisfying flavors make it a favorite for pasta lovers everywhere.
But let’s face it—many recipes out there can be overly complicated, requiring too many ingredients or taking way too long to prepare. We all crave something that’s quick, easy, and doesn’t sacrifice on taste.
That’s where this Easy White Sauce Pasta Recipe comes in! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can make a deliciously creamy pasta that’s sure to satisfy your cravings without all the worries. Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that’s quick, simple, and full of flavor, this easy white sauce pasta recipe is for you. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
- Quick and Easy: The whole recipe takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Customizable: Want to add vegetables, chicken, or shrimp? Feel free to make this dish your own with whatever ingredients you have on hand.
- Creamy Comfort: The white sauce is rich and velvety, adding the perfect amount of creaminess without feeling too heavy.
- Minimal Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients—just a few basics, and you’ve got yourself the best dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for an creamy easy White Sauce Pasta Recipe :
- For the Pasta:
- 200g pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or your favorite type)
- For the White Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (optional, but adds flavor)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 cup whole milk (for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, according to your taste
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (for that extra creamy, cheesy goodness)
- Optional Add-ins:
- Vegetables: spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers
- Protein: grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s a bit soft (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set the pasta aside.
2. Make the White Sauce: While your pasta is cooking, you can prepare the white sauce.
- In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the garlic (if using) and saute for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t brown.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and grated parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce is ready, add the drained pasta to the pan. Toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure it’s well-coated. Add any optional add-ins like sauted mushrooms, peas, or grilled chicken at this point. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or parmesan as needed.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the creamy pasta to serving plates and top with extra grated parmesan or a sprinkle of black pepper. For an added touch of freshness, garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
Tips for the Perfect White Sauce Pasta
- Choosing the Right Pasta: While any pasta will work, thick, hearty pastas like fettuccine or penne are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce.
- Perfectly Creamy Sauce: If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The starch in the pasta water helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
- Cheese Variations: While parmesan is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of your favorites. The more cheese, the creamier the sauce!
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce for a gluten-free version.
Variations to Try
This white sauce pasta recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- Vegetarian White Sauce Pasta: Add sauted spinach, mushrooms, or peas for a veggie-packed version.
- Chicken Alfredo: Add grilled or roasted chicken for a heartier dish. Chicken thighs or breast work perfectly!
- Shrimp or Bacon: For seafood lovers, add shrimp to the pasta for a light, flavorful boost. Or, toss in crispy bacon for a savory, smoky crunch.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread on the side to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crunchy salad can help balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Herb Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh, herby flavor that complements the creaminess of the pasta.
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Conclusion
There you have it—your go-to Easy White Sauce Pasta Recipe that’s creamy, delicious, and quick! Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding the family, this dish delivers on flavor without the hassle. The best part? You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
So, next time you’re craving a comforting, satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. Enjoy!
