White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe with friends because it hits that perfect comfort food spot every single time. There’s something about the creamy, garlicky white sauce coating tender penne pasta that makes it such a crowd-pleaser—whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without fussing over complicated steps.

What makes this recipe stand out is how versatile and easy it is, but still feels special and indulgent. You’ll find that once you master the white sauce (also known as béchamel), you can whip up a meal that tastes restaurant-level delicious in under 20 minutes. Trust me, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe quickly became a staple in my kitchen—I’m excited to help you make it yours too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe plays an important role—balancing creamy richness with just enough seasoning to keep things comforting, but never heavy. Let’s talk through what you’ll want on hand to get started.

• Penne Pasta: This tubular shape holds onto the white sauce beautifully, making each bite flavorful.
• Unsalted Butter: Starting your white sauce with butter gives it that silky, rich base that’s essential.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and subtle zing without overpowering the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is the thickening agent for your sauce — just be sure to cook it properly to avoid any raw flour taste.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but you can substitute for lower fat options if you like.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and flavor to the sauce without being too heavy.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: This melts smoothly and gives the sauce a wonderful savory, nutty flavor.
• Dried Parsley: Brings a gentle herbaceous note and pretty flecks of green.
• Garlic Salt with Parsley Flakes or Salt to Taste: Balances the flavors — don’t skip this lightly seasoned addition.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a gentle heat that wakes up the dish.
• Shredded Mozzarella or Additional Parmesan Cheese (Optional): For extra cheesy gooeyness that your family might adore.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to get creative or adjust according to what you have in your fridge—it’s so forgiving!

• Add Protein: I often toss in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy bacon for a meaty twist that brings extra flavor and heartiness.
• Veggie Boost: Throw in steamed broccoli, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to add texture and color; I swear the kids notice less veggies this way!
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap out milk and cheese for plant-based alternatives—though the texture changes a bit, it’s still delicious and creamy.
• Herbs & Spices: Fresh basil or a sprinkle of nutmeg in the white sauce can transform it into something even more special and aromatic.

How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. I like to set a timer closely because you don’t want mushy pasta here—it should have a slight bite as it will continue cooking a bit once mixed with the sauce. Drain it well and set aside while you make the sauce.

Step 2: Crafting the Creamy White Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—around 1 minute. This infuses the butter with that lovely garlic aroma without browning it. Next, sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about a minute to form a roux. This step is key—cook the flour enough to remove that raw flavor but don’t let it brown.

Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep stirring as the sauce gently thickens, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You’ll want it smooth, creamy, and just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Adding Flavor and Cheese

Once your sauce has thickened nicely, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. The cheese should melt fully into the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy and slightly tangy. If you want, now’s the time to mix in mozzarella or extra Parmesan for an even cheesier finish—my family goes crazy for this addition!

Step 4: Combine and Serve Warm

Carefully fold the cooked penne pasta into the sauce, making sure every piece gets coated in that luscious white sauce. Give it a gentle stir so the cheese melts evenly and everything is heated through. Serve it immediately while warm and creamy for the best experience.

How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper over the top before serving. Fresh parsley or chopped basil leaves add a fresh pop of color and flavor that brightens up the dish beautifully. For that final touch, sometimes a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice gives a lovely brightness against the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often pair this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side also never fails to complement the creamy textures wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this pasta in individual baking dishes topped with extra mozzarella and broiled until bubbly and golden—everyone loves their own personal cheesy gratin. Another fun idea is tossing in colorful veggies or sliced grape tomatoes for a festive look, perfect for dinner parties or celebrations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover White Sauce Penne Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge where it keeps well for 3 to 4 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze this pasta because the texture of cream sauces can change, it’s still doable if you separate the pasta and sauce before freezing. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to help maintain creaminess.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth as needed to loosen the sauce and bring back its silkiness. Stir frequently so you don’t overcook or dry out the pasta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is truly one of my go-to comfort dishes that never disappoints. I love how simple ingredients transform into a creamy, cozy meal that feels homemade but a little more elegant than everyday pasta. If you’re craving something easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing, I highly recommend giving this recipe a try—you might find it quickly becoming your own beloved staple, just like mine was.

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