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A close-up view of creamy white sauce pasta with a smooth texture on a white marble surface.

How to Make the Creamiest White Sauce Pasta at Home

This creamy white sauce pasta is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal. Customize with your favorite vegetables and proteins for a delicious dish.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 ounces penne, fusilli, or farfalle
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2.5 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2-3 cloves fresh garlic
  • Salt & Freshly Cracked Black Pepper Salt & Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Sliced mushrooms, spinach, sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers Vegetables (optional) Choose your favorites
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu Protein (optional) Add for extra protein

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then whisk in flour to form a roux.
  3. Gradually add milk, whisking to remove lumps, then stir in heavy cream and cook until thickened.
  4. Add Parmesan, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then combine with cooked pasta.
  5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot, optionally adding vegetables and protein.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and high-quality butter.