White Sauce Pasta is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and luxurious at the same time. The creamy texture of the sauce, the softness of the pasta, and the aroma of butter and herbs create a dish that can instantly lift your mood. Whether you are cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this pasta always feels like a warm treat.
The secret behind a great white sauce pasta is balance. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick, rich but not heavy, and full of flavor without being overwhelming. A well made pasta carries the taste of garlic, butter, milk, and cheese in every bite. With a few simple steps and patience, you can easily make creamy pasta that tastes like it came from a good cafe.
This detailed recipe will take you through every step from prepping the pasta to making a smooth silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Pasta
- 2 cups penne or any pasta of your choice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Water to boil
For the White Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons grated cheese mozzarella or cheddar
For the Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion sliced
- 1 small capsicum sliced
- 1 small carrot thinly sliced
- A handful of sweet corn
- A handful of broccoli optional
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or coriander
- Extra cheese optional
Step by Step Process to Make White Sauce Pasta
Step 1
Boil the Pasta
- Heat water in a large pot and add salt.
- Once the water boils, add the pasta and cook until it becomes firm and soft but not mushy.
- Drain the pasta and rinse lightly with cold water to stop overcooking.
- Spread it on a plate to prevent sticking.
Step 2
Cook the Vegetables
- Heat oil in a pan and add sliced onions.
- Sauté until they turn slightly soft.
- Add capsicum, carrots, corn, and broccoli.
- Cook on medium flame for a few minutes.
- The vegetables should stay slightly crisp and colorful.
Transfer them to a plate and keep aside.
Step 3
Prepare the White Sauce
The sauce is the heart of this recipe so make it slowly and patiently.
- Heat butter in a pan. Let it melt completely on low flame.
- Add all purpose flour and stir continuously.
- Cook the flour in butter for about two to three minutes until it turns slightly golden.
- Add chopped garlic and mix.
- Now start adding milk slowly. Whisk or stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Keep cooking until the sauce becomes thick smooth and creamy.
- Add salt, black pepper, and mixed herbs.
- Add grated cheese and mix until everything melts into a silky sauce.
The sauce should be creamy and flowing not too thick. If it becomes too thick you can add a little more milk.
Step 4
Combine Pasta With Sauce
- Add the cooked vegetables to the white sauce.
- Add the boiled pasta and mix gently so every piece gets coated.
- Cook on low flame for one to two minutes to combine all flavors.
- Taste and adjust salt pepper and herbs according to your preference.
Step 5
Serve Warm and Fresh
Transfer the creamy white sauce pasta to a serving bowl.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or coriander.
You can also add some grated cheese on top if you like a richer taste.
Serve immediately because pasta tastes best when eaten hot and creamy.
Tips for Perfect White Sauce Pasta
- Do not cook the flour too much or too little
- Add milk slowly for a smooth sauce
- Keep stirring constantly to prevent lumps
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more milk if needed
- Use fresh garlic for better aroma
- Add vegetables of your choice to make it healthier
- Serve immediately because the sauce thickens as it cools
Variations You Can Try
- Add grilled chicken for a non vegetarian version
- Replace milk with half milk and half cream for an even richer sauce
- Add spinach mushrooms or zucchini for extra flavor
- Mix tomato sauce with white sauce to make pink pasta
Approximate Nutrition per Serving
These values may vary based on cheese and milk quantity
- Calories 380 to 480
- Carbohydrates 55g
- Protein 12g
- Fat 15 to 20g