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Creamy White Sauce Penne Pasta in a bowl garnished with herbs.

White Sauce Penne Pasta

A comforting bowl of creamy pasta with a silky garlic sauce, easy to make and fully customizable with pantry staples.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Penne pasta Cook it to al dente.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter Base of the sauce.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour Thickens the sauce.
  • 2 cups Whole milk or cream Use heavier cream for a richer sauce.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Freshly grated for best results.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil To add shine and keep pasta from sticking.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season to your liking.
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg Optional but adds a nice depth.
Optional Add-ins
  • Cooked chicken or crispy bacon bits Adds protein and flavor.
  • Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes For a veggie boost.

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. Boil the penne in salted water until al dente.
Making the Sauce
  1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute.
  4. Slowly pour in warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  5. Let the sauce thicken gently.
  6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
  7. Season sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  8. If too thick, loosen it with reserved pasta water.
Combine and Serve
  1. Toss the hot penne with the creamy white sauce.
  2. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer sauce, stir in a knob of butter right before serving. Save at least one cup of pasta water for consistency adjustments. Use fresh grated cheese for best results.