If you’re dreaming of a pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and impossibly comforting, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Penne pasta gets tossed in a luxuriously silky white sauce, infused with a hint of garlic, a touch of herbs, and plenty of cheese—delivering big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a treat-yourself weekend meal, this recipe brings restaurant magic straight to your table, and is utterly foolproof even if you’re new to cooking pasta at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe so special is how the simplest ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and that luscious, creamy texture. Each element truly matters, adding something unique to every mouthful.
- Penne Pasta: The classic choice for holding onto creamy sauce—those little tubes are perfect pockets!
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, buttery base for the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: The secret to thickening your sauce and getting that silky finish.
- Milk (preferably whole): Creamy texture starts with this essential; whole milk gives the best results.
- Heavy Cream (optional): For extra indulgence—just a splash takes your sauce from good to restaurant-level delicious.
- Garlic Powder: Ensures every bite has a subtle, balanced garlic flavor without the risk of burning fresh garlic.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors to life—don’t forget to add a good pinch to your pasta water too!
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and peppery depth.
- Italian Seasoning (optional): A herby lift for that classic Italian-American vibe; adjust to your taste.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Nutty and salty, it melts into the sauce for those savoury undertones.
- Shredded Mozzarella (optional): For an extra gooey, stretchy finish—cheese lovers, don’t skip!
- Chopped Parsley: A fresh pop of green that brightens the final dish and adds visual flair.
How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta
Bring a big pot of salty water to a rolling boil—it should taste almost like the sea! Add your penne and cook it just until al dente, following the package directions. Giving the pasta a quick drain (don’t rinse it!) ensures every tube stays a bit chewy and perfectly ready to soak up all that creamy sauce later.
Step 2: Start the White Sauce Base
Grab a medium saucepan and melt your butter over medium heat. Once it’s gently bubbling, whisk in the flour. Keep whisking for a couple of minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a classic blond roux—the foundation for your dreamy sauce.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free. If you’re feeling fancy, add a splash of cream for extra richness. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning at this stage. Keep stirring as everything gently heats up and thickens—your kitchen will already smell amazing!
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Once the sauce has reached a luscious, nappe consistency (think slightly thicker than heavy cream), stir in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella. It’ll melt into the sauce and transform it into a velvety, cheesy delight.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Now comes the best part! Tumble in your cooked penne and toss everything together until every pasta piece is gleaming with white sauce. Allow the pan to simmer for a minute or two—this helps the sauce thicken and cling. Serve warm and prepare for instant smiles all around.
How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A scatter of freshly chopped parsley goes a long way, adding freshness and color. For even more cheesy drama, finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or some cracked black pepper right on top before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta loves company! Pair the White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe with a zingy green salad (arugula with lemon is a favorite) or some garlic bread for sopping up the cheesy goodness. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers also make a hearty and colorful addition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go the extra mile, serve the pasta in individual bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. Or, get playful by nestling the creamy penne into a crusty bread bowl for a rustic, share-at-the-table experience. It also looks stunning when baked under a broiler for a minute until bubbly and golden!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be cooled to room temperature and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but that just means you’re a quick reheat away from comfort food joy all over again!
Freezing
Although fresh is best, you can freeze the White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe. Divide it into portions, seal well, and freeze for up to one month. Just keep in mind the sauce may separate slightly after thawing, so a vigorous stir and splash of milk works wonders.
Reheating
To reheat, pop portions into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, adding a splash of milk to loosen things up. Warm gently, stirring often, until heated through and creamy again—just like the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is classic for the White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe, this sauce works wonderfully with fusilli, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pastas—the key is to adjust the cooking time for your noodle of choice.
How can I make it healthier?
You can easily lighten things up by using low-fat milk instead of whole or skipping the heavy cream. Adding steamed veggies like spinach or broccoli not only ups the nutrition but also brings more vibrant color and texture.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Definitely! This recipe is a fantastic base for grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, crispy bacon, or roasted chickpeas. Just add your cooked protein during the final toss to keep everything moist and flavorful.
Why did my sauce turn out lumpy?
Usually, lumpy sauce results from adding the milk too quickly or not whisking enough. Next time, pour the milk in slowly while whisking constantly, and be sure the butter and flour are fully blended before the milk goes in for a perfectly smooth sauce.
What is the best way to reheat frozen pasta?
Thaw your frozen White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream. Stir frequently so the sauce comes back together silky and smooth.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe, you’ll understand why it holds a top spot in my comfort food hall of fame. Simple, creamy, and absolutely crowd-pleasing, it’s the ideal dish to whip up for loved ones or any time you crave a restaurant-style treat at home. Can’t wait for you to fall in love with every cheesy, indulgent bite!
Print
White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of White Sauce Penne Pasta, a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender penne pasta with a velvety white sauce, enhanced with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and a hint of Italian seasoning for a flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Penne Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
White Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole)
- 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)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Penne Pasta: Boil salted water and cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain.
- Make White Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, pour in milk, add seasonings, and cheeses. Cook until thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, simmer briefly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra cheese.
Notes
- Add sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or steamed broccoli to enhance the dish.
- To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
