White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

If you’re longing for a bowl of creamy comfort that comes together in a flash, you’ll absolutely adore this White Sauce Penne Pasta. Dreamy smooth, satisfyingly cheesy, and flecked with just the right hint of garlic, it’s a simple yet elegant crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s magic in simplicity, and every ingredient in this White Sauce Penne Pasta has its own important job—bringing flavor, creaminess, or satisfying texture to your dish. Don’t worry, you probably already have most of these in your kitchen!

• Penne Pasta: This tubular pasta holds onto the silky sauce beautifully—try to cook it just al dente for the perfect bite.
• Unsalted Butter: The star of your béchamel base, butter provides flavor and that irresistible silky mouthfeel.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a gentle, aromatic kick that lifts the entire dish.
• All-purpose Flour: Essential for thickening your white sauce without making it taste chalky—just cook it long enough!
• Milk: Brings the creaminess you crave; feel free to use whole milk for maximum richness or 2% for a lighter touch.
• Chicken Broth: Deepens the savory notes and rounds out the sauce—vegetable broth works too if you want a vegetarian plate.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty bite and melts right in for that signature cheesy flavor.
• Dried Parsley: Lends color and a subtle herbiness—fresh parsley works if you have it handy!
• Garlic Salt with Parsley Flakes or Salt to Taste: Perfect for amping up the flavor without overpowering the sauce.
• Pepper: For a gentle, warming heat that perks up the other flavors.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese or Additional Parmesan Cheese (optional): Go ahead and toss it in for a gooier, extra-melty finish.

Variations

The fun of homemade pasta is how outrageously easy it is to customize to your favorites—or to whatever’s in the fridge! Here’s how you can make White Sauce Penne Pasta a recipe that fits your mood, tastes, or dietary needs.

• Add Protein: Toss in sliced grilled chicken, chicken sausage, diced ham, or shrimp to make it a hearty entrée.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in lightly sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli for color, flavor, and nutrition.
• Make It Vegetarian: Simply swap chicken broth for vegetable broth—and skip the meats entirely!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a swirl of hot sauce if your crowd loves a little zing.

How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, salt it generously, then bring to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 10–12 minutes, until just al dente. Drain well, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Make the Roux

While the pasta is boiling, start your white sauce in a large saucepan over medium heat. Melt the butter, then swirl in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until wonderfully fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for another minute; this step cooks off the raw flour taste and creates a smooth, thick base for your sauce.

Step 3: Build the White Sauce

Pour in the milk and chicken broth gradually, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps (this is the secret to a luxuriously silky sauce). Simmer and stir until the sauce gently boils and thickens—about 5 minutes is all it takes. You’ll know it’s ready when your spoon leaves a slow, creamy trail.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to low and toss in the grated parmesan, dried parsley, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is irresistibly smooth. If you’re feeling extra cheesy, now’s the time to add that mozzarella or more parmesan.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked penne right into the saucepan and give it all a generous stir, making sure every tube is coated in that gorgeous white sauce. Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta piping hot, straight from the pot, for the best comfort food experience. Enjoy!

How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta

Garnishes

I love showering a finished bowl with extra parmesan, a flaky hit of black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil. If you want a little color and zing, toss on some roasted cherry tomatoes or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a pop of heat!

Side Dishes

White Sauce Penne Pasta pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread (to soak up every drop of that sauce), a peppery arugula salad, or simple roasted veggies like asparagus and zucchini. For heartier meals, serve it alongside lemony grilled chicken or baked salmon.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your presentation by serving in wide, shallow pasta bowls with a final flourish of cheese and herbs on top. For a fun twist at a party, pile the pasta into small ramekins or cups and broil for a minute with mozzarella on top for a bubbly “pasta au gratin”! Or, simply family-style with a ladle and tongs for everyone to help themselves—always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover White Sauce Penne Pasta stores surprisingly well. Pop cooled pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate; it’ll keep beautifully for 3–4 days. If the sauce thickens up, just add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen, too! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and stash for up to three months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—the sauce texture might change just a bit, but a quick reheat and stir will bring it right back.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your penne in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk, if needed, and stir well to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid high heat to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery—slow and steady is the secret!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite as comforting or universally loved as a big plate of White Sauce Penne Pasta. It’s easy, it’s indulgent, and there’s always room to make it your own. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—let it warm your kitchen and gather everyone around the table for a meal that feels effortlessly special!

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