Description
This creamy White Sauce Penne Pasta recipe combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich and flavorful white sauce made from butter, garlic, flour, milk, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. Enhanced with herbs and a touch of mozzarella, this comforting dish is easy to prepare in just 15 minutes and makes for a delicious meal suitable for the whole family.
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 the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare White Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute to release its aroma without browning. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, which will prevent the sauce from tasting like raw flour.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese fully melts and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, toss well to combine, then stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted for an extra creamy texture. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- When adding flour to the butter, make sure to cook it long enough to avoid a raw flour taste; this technique is known as making a roux.
- Pour the milk slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
- To enhance this 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 leftovers in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little extra milk if needed to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.
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
