If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and utterly easy to make, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes. Picture perfectly cooked penne enveloped in a luscious, silky white sauce made from garlic, parmesan, and just the right blend of herbs—this recipe hits all the right notes for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together in no time, proving comfort food can be simple, elegant, and incredibly satisfying all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe lies in a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings a unique touch, from the tender pasta shape that holds onto every bit of sauce, to the creamy butter and garlic that form the perfect base. Together, they create a dish that’s rich in flavor, texture, and even a pop of color from the parsley.
- Penne pasta: About 4 cups of this tube-shaped pasta is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Unsalted butter: Three tablespoons add richness while allowing you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Minced garlic: Two teaspoons bring a fragrant punch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Three tablespoons help thicken the sauce to that perfect velvety texture.
- Milk: One cup keeps the sauce light and creamy without being too heavy.
- Chicken broth: One cup adds depth and warmth for an irresistible savory base.
- Grated parmesan cheese: A full cup delivers sharp, nutty flavor and melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Dried parsley: Two teaspoons bring a pop of green and fresh herbal notes to the dish.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes (or salt to taste): Adds that perfect seasoning balance throughout.
- Pepper: To taste, giving it just a hint of spice and complexity.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese or extra parmesan (optional): Half a cup melted in at the end boosts gooey richness.
How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means the pasta should be tender yet still slightly firm when bitten. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you whip up the creamy sauce. Perfectly cooked pasta ensures the texture contrast between the tender noodles and silky sauce is spot-on.
Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce Base
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma filling your kitchen. This step is crucial as it imparts a rich garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce. Then stir in the all-purpose flour and cook it for another minute, creating a golden roux that will thicken the sauce and remove any raw flour taste.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Slowly begin to pour in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to keep the texture smooth and prevent lumps. Keep stirring over medium heat until the sauce thickens into a dreamy, creamy consistency—this usually takes about five minutes. Once thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until the cheese has melted and everything is combined into a perfectly smooth sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked penne pasta to the sauce, gently tossing or stirring to ensure every piece is luxuriously coated. For an extra indulgent touch, stir in the shredded mozzarella or more parmesan cheese now, letting it melt through the pasta and sauce mixture. Serve the dish warm immediately so that every bite is rich, gooey, and full of flavor.
How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up this creamy delight, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese not only looks beautiful but adds a salty, savory kick. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders too.
Side Dishes
This white sauce penne pasta pairs fantastically with crisp green salads, like a classic Caesar or a peppery arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or crusty Italian loaves are perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve this pasta recipe in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes topped with a few herb sprigs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can also bake it briefly with extra cheese on top to create a bubbly, golden crust that adds delicious texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover white sauce penne pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and maintain its creamy texture for up to three days, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
Freezing
If you want to keep this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe on hand for longer, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container and make sure the pasta is cooled completely before sealing. Frozen pasta will last about one month. When thawed, be prepared for slight texture changes, so reheating gently is key.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to cover the dish and stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly and avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking time to keep the pasta al dente.
Is this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
If you swap chicken broth for vegetable broth, the recipe becomes vegetarian-friendly without losing any delicious flavor. The parmesan and cheeses provide plenty of richness.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, simply let it cook a bit longer until more liquid evaporates. To thin it out, add a little more milk or broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables or protein to this pasta?
Yes! Adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, grilled chicken, or shrimp can elevate this dish into a more substantial meal. Just toss them in with the pasta before serving.
What cheese works best if I don’t have parmesan?
Pecorino Romano is a fantastic substitute, offering a similar salty and nutty profile. You can also use Asiago or a mild aged cheddar, though the flavor will vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
This White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe perfectly balances simplicity and indulgence, making it a rewarding dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfying full bellies. So go ahead, gather these ingredients, and treat yourself to a luscious plate of creamy comfort that feels like a warm hug in every forkful.
Print
White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy White Sauce Penne Pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines perfectly cooked penne pasta with a rich white sauce made from butter, garlic, flour, milk, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. Enhanced with parsley and optional mozzarella, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying family dinner in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta (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, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, ensuring the flour flavor cooks out completely.
- Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, which takes about 5 minutes. Once thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta evenly. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan until melted and fully incorporated. Serve the pasta warm immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente to avoid mushy texture in the final dish.
- Constant stirring during the sauce-making process helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth consistency.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
