How to Make Creamy White Sauce Pasta: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Are you craving a comforting and rich pasta dish that’s full of flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen? Look no further than creamy white sauce pasta! This dish is quick, easy, and absolutely satisfying, perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re hosting friends or family.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making the best white sauce pasta — creamy, flavorful, and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients for White Sauce Pasta:

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. For this dish, you’ll need:

For the White Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk works best for a creamy sauce)
• ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 small clove of garlic (optional, for added flavor)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but adds a nice depth to the sauce)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but it takes the flavor to the next level)

For the Pasta:

• 200g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are good choices)
• Salt (for boiling the pasta)
• Water (for boiling the pasta)

Optional add-ins:

• Chopped vegetables (like bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli)
• Cooked chicken or shrimp (for added protein)
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley for garnish

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a generous amount of salt — it helps season the pasta as it cooks. Once the water is boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes).

Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together. Once the pasta is cooked al dente (tender but still firm), drain it and set aside. Don’t forget to save a cup of the pasta water; this can help adjust the sauce consistency later.

Step 2: Make the White Sauce 

While the pasta is boiling, you can start making the creamy white sauce.

1. Melt the Butter: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and begins to bubble, add the garlic (if you’re using fresh garlic, sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant).

2. Add the Flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. This mixture of butter and flour is known as a roux, which will thicken the sauce.

3. Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to thicken.

4. Season the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon), add salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor. If you like a cheesy flavor, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese at this point.

5. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes on low heat to ensure it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Pasta with the White Sauce

Once your white sauce is ready, it’s time to combine it with the pasta.

1. Add the drained pasta into the pan with the white sauce, tossing it gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.

2. If you’re adding vegetables or cooked protein, you can toss them in at this point, allowing everything to combine.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Serve your creamy white sauce pasta hot, garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a touch of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added cheesy kick.