Description

This creamy White Sauce Penne Pasta recipe combines al dente penne pasta with a rich, velvety white sauce made from butter, garlic, flour, milk, and chicken broth. Enhanced with parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta (about 4 cups)

White Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried parsley
Garlic salt with parsley flakes, or salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Prepare White Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, ensuring the flour flavor cooks out completely.
Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, which takes about 5 minutes. Once thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta evenly. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan until melted and fully incorporated. Serve the pasta warm immediately.

Notes

When adding flour to the butter, be sure to cook it long enough to avoid a raw flour taste—about 1 minute is ideal.
Pour milk slowly while whisking constantly to prevent lumps in the sauce.
For added protein and flavor, consider mixing in grilled chicken, chicken sausage, diced ham, or shrimp.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little milk if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 45mg