Description
Creamy and comforting, this white sauce penne pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Penne Pasta:
- 1 (16-ounce) package penne, 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
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare White Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add flour and cook for 1 more minute. Pour in milk and broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Add parmesan, parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, combine, and stir in mozzarella until melted. Serve warm.
Notes
- When adding flour to the butter, make sure to cook it long enough or it will taste like flour. For more tips, check out How to Make a Roux!
- To avoid lumps, pour the milk slowly and whisk constantly.
- To elevate the dish, add grilled chicken, chicken sausage, diced ham, or shrimp.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little more milk if needed to smooth out the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
