There’s something timeless and deeply comforting about a bowl of white sauce penne pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels equally at home on a busy weeknight or at a cozy weekend dinner, when you want something indulgent yet familiar. The creamy sauce clings to every ridged piece of penne, delivering rich flavor in every forkful, while the gentle aroma of butter, garlic, and cheese fills the kitchen and makes everyone wander in asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”

White sauce penne pasta is one of those recipes that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients to create something truly satisfying. With a handful of pantry staples and a little patience, you can make a sauce that’s silky, luxurious, and far better than anything that comes from a jar. It’s a recipe that invites customization, encourages creativity, and rewards you with pure comfort.

This dish has become a favorite across many kitchens because it adapts so easily. You can keep it simple and classic, or dress it up with vegetables, mushrooms, or even baked toppings. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, white sauce penne pasta is always a reliable choice.

Ingredients:

400 g penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (warm)
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
In a wide skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt gently without browning.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes. This forms a roux and removes the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
Lower the heat and add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the sauce. Toss gently so every piece is coated evenly.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

White Sauce Penne Pasta

Creamy and comforting penne pasta tossed in a rich homemade white sauce with garlic and parmesan.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Continental, Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta

400 g penne pasta

White Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk warm
4 cloves garlic minced
0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

Large pot
Skillet or saucepan
Whisk
Colander

Method

Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter with olive oil in a skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Whisk in flour and cook briefly, then slowly add warm milk while whisking.
Season sauce, add parmesan, and stir until creamy.
Toss cooked pasta with sauce and serve hot.

Notes

Add vegetables or herbs to customize the dish.

Tips & Tricks

Always warm the milk slightly before adding it to the roux; cold milk can cause lumps.
Whisk continuously when making the sauce for the smoothest texture.
Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-packaged cheese for better melting and flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente pasta holds the sauce better and keeps the dish from becoming mushy.

Variations

Add sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach for a vegetable-loaded version.
Stir in chili flakes for a subtle heat.
Mix in a spoon of cream cheese for extra richness.
Turn it into a baked pasta by transferring to a baking dish, topping with mozzarella, and baking until bubbly.

Serving Suggestions
White sauce penne pasta pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. It also works well as a main dish or a hearty side for special dinners.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, keep the sauce and pasta separate and combine just before serving.

Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work wonderfully with white sauce.

Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this white sauce penne pasta is completely vegetarian.

History / Fun Facts
White sauce pasta is inspired by classic béchamel sauce from French cuisine, which later found its way into Italian-style pasta dishes around the world. Its simplicity and versatility have made it a global comfort food favorite.

White Sauce Penne Pasta – Creamy Comfort in Every Bite