White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe because it’s comfort food made simple and elegant all at once. The creamy white sauce clings perfectly to each penne tube, making every bite rich and satisfying without being heavy. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, this dish comes together quickly and never fails to impress.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how a few basic pantry ingredients could turn into something so delicious and creamy. You’ll find that it’s incredibly versatile too, perfect for pairing with grilled chicken or roasted veggies, and easy to customize to your taste. Trust me, once you try this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe come together to create a silky, cheesy sauce that’s both light and flavorful. Don’t worry if you don’t have fresh herbs on hand—dried parsley works just fine and adds a lovely touch of color and subtle flavor.

• Penne Pasta: This tube-shaped pasta holds the sauce beautifully, giving you coated bites every time.
• Unsalted Butter: Starting the sauce with butter gives that luscious creaminess without extra saltiness.
• Minced Garlic: Garlic infuses the white sauce with just the right punch of savoriness.
• All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the sauce into that perfect creamy consistency—think of it as the magic base.
• Milk: Use whole or 2% for a richer sauce; pouring it in slowly helps prevent lumps.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and a slightly savory background flavor that’s subtle yet important.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: This melting cheese adds sharpness and that unmistakable Italian touch.
• Dried Parsley: More for color and a gentle herb flavor that brightens the dish.
• Garlic Salt with Parsley Flakes: Adds an extra layer of garlic flavor and seasoning—adjust salt to your liking.
• Pepper: Freshly cracked for mild heat and to elevate the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese (Optional): For extra cheesy meltiness, stir in some shredded mozzarella at the end.

Variations

I love to play around with this recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or what everyone’s craving. Feel free to make it your own—you’ll be surprised how a few tweaks can turn the dish into something new and exciting.

• Protein Boost: I often add grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal that’s still quick to whip up.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth and toss in some steamed broccoli, peas, or mushrooms.
• Cheesy Deluxe: For extra cheese lovers, try stirring in cream cheese or swapping mozzarella for fontina for a richer sauce.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh basil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a fresh or spicy kick that I adore on occasion.

How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions—usually around 11 minutes or until al dente. I recommend setting a timer and checking a piece early to avoid mushiness. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it loose and ready to absorb that creamy sauce.

Step 2: Whip Up the White Sauce Base

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. As soon as it’s bubbly, add the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant—don’t let the garlic brown or it can turn bitter. Then, sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, stirring constantly for another minute; this cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a roux. Patience here pays off for a smooth, flavorful sauce.

Step 3: Slowly Add Liquids to Get the Creamy Texture

Now pour in the milk and chicken broth slowly while whisking continuously. This helps prevent lumps and lets the sauce thicken evenly over about 5 minutes. Keep stirring until you notice the sauce transforming into a silky, smooth blanket—if it seems too thick, you can always thin it with a splash more milk or broth.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese and Seasonings

Remove the sauce from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce feels rich and creamy. This is where the flavors really come together and your kitchen starts smelling amazing.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Optional Mozzarella

Gently fold the cooked penne into the white sauce, coating each piece well. If you want a little extra gooey goodness, stir in the shredded mozzarella now—watch it melt and blend in for that irresistible, stringy cheese effect. Serve immediately while it’s warm and comforting.

How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of freshness. A dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil can also add a nice touch if you want to mix things up beyond the base flavors.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic broccoli. I also enjoy serving it alongside garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce—your guests will thank you!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this White Sauce Penne Pasta in individual ramekins topped with breadcrumbs and broiled until golden and crispy on top. It’s a lovely way to elevate a simple pasta dish into something that looks fancy but tastes just as comforting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always put leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When storing, I like to add a little splash of milk to the pasta before sealing—it helps keep the sauce from drying out overnight.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to batch cook. Just cool the pasta completely, then freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture smooth.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and delicious every single time. It’s the kind of dish you can make on a hectic day but feel like you’re treating yourself or your family to something homemade and comforting. Give it a try—you’ll love how creamy, cheesy, and satisfying it turns out, and I’m sure it’ll become your favorite weeknight pasta too!

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