Description
A creamy and comforting White Sauce Penne Pasta recipe featuring a homemade garlic-infused white sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cheese. This Italian-American classic is easy to prepare on the stovetop and perfect for a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux without browning it.
- Add milk and cream: Gradually pour in the whole milk and optional heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking and gently heat the mixture to combine.
- Season and thicken: Add garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Continue cooking and whisking for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and rich.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Let it simmer together for 1–2 minutes to heat through and marry the flavors.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or steamed broccoli to make this a complete and hearty meal.
- To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk and gently warm the pasta to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.
