White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe because it’s creamy, comforting, and comes together so quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how simple ingredients like butter, garlic, milk, and parmesan could create such a rich sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of penne pasta.

You’ll find that this recipe works well whenever you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s so versatile — you can whip it up as a base and then jazz it with chicken, veggies, or whatever you have on hand. Trust me, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is a kitchen keeper!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe lies in the balanced flavors of the sauce and the perfect texture of the penne. I always recommend fresh parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor, plus quality butter and garlic to pack a punch.

• Penne Pasta: Look for good quality, firm penne that holds up well to the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Allows you to control the saltiness; plus it makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
• Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here — it adds that inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce; cook it long enough to avoid a raw flour taste.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for richness, but you can try 2% too.
• Chicken Broth: Adds umami and depth so the sauce isn’t just heavy cream but layered and savory.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated melts smoothly and is essential for that signature cheesy bite.
• Dried Parsley: Adds a subtle herbal note and pretty flecks throughout the dish.
• Garlic Salt or Salt: Adjust according to your taste, just be careful not to oversalt since parmesan is salty.
• Pepper: Freshly ground is best to add a gentle heat and balance the creaminess.
• Shredded Mozzarella or Extra Parmesan (Optional): For an extra melty, cheesy finish – totally optional but so good!

Variations

I love making this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe my own depending on the mood and what’s in my fridge. It’s so forgiving and flexible, you can easily swap in new flavors or stretch it out with veggies for a lighter meal.

• Protein Boost: Adding grilled chicken or shrimp turns it into a heartier main course, and my family especially loves how the sauce clings to the meat.
• Vegetarian Version: I often toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers to brighten the dish without changing the sauce.
• Cheese Variations: For a sharper kick, try mixing in some Pecorino Romano or substituting mozzarella with fontina.
• Spicy Twist: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce adds a delightful hint of heat that livens things up.

How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Penne Pasta to Perfection

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water — I like to salt it generously like the sea, which seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook the penne according to package instructions until just al dente because the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain it well, but don’t rinse; keeping the starch helps the sauce stick beautifully.

Step 2: Make a Silky White Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute until fragrant, but don’t brown it or it will taste bitter. Next, sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute — this is your roux, the key thickener for the sauce. Be patient here; cooking the flour properly ensures there’s no raw taste, which I used to struggle with until I got this timing down.

Step 3: Slowly Incorporate Liquids and Cheese

Now, slowly pour in your milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly. This helps avoid lumps and creates a smooth sauce — a technique I discovered makes all the difference. Keep whisking and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Once thickened, stir in the parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper until the cheese melts completely.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Optional Mozzarella

Add your cooked penne right into the sauce and give everything a good stir so every piece gets coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. If you’re using mozzarella, toss it in now and let it melt gently into the pasta for extra gooeyness — such a crowd-pleaser! Serve it warm, and get ready for all the compliments.

How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra parmesan just before serving for a cheesy boost, plus a handful of chopped fresh parsley to add color and freshness. Sometimes, a few red pepper flakes on top give it that nice spark if you like a little heat. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving also adds a lovely richness.

Side Dishes

This creamy penne pairs beautifully with crisp green salads — I often go for arugula with lemon vinaigrette — and some crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also complement the dish perfectly and add a healthy balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this pasta in warm shallow bowls, adding a sprig of fresh herbs on top and a swirl of olive oil. You can even sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for added texture and a fancy touch. Serving it family-style in a beautiful large dish invites everyone to dig in and share the comfort of homemade food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so before reheating, I add a splash of milk to loosen it up and make it creamy again. This method keeps the texture and flavor surprisingly fresh!

Freezing

Freezing white sauce pasta can be a bit tricky because the sauce may separate or become grainy after thawing, but I’ve had decent results freezing it in portions for up to 3 months. Just thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring in some milk to bring it back to life.

Reheating

I prefer reheating this pasta on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring constantly and adding a little milk to avoid the sauce drying out or clumping. The microwave works too; just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep it smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both elegant enough to impress and simple enough for a weeknight dinner. I encourage you to try it exactly as is first, then make it your own by adding your favorite proteins or veggies. Once you get this recipe down, you’ll have a go-to meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate every time.

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