Creamy White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe for Simple Dinners

Creamy, luxurious white sauce penne pasta blends comfort and elegance in every delightful bite.

Italian culinary magic comes alive with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Silky smooth sauce coats tender pasta shells, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this classic recipe for its rich, velvety texture.

The combination of butter, flour, and milk creates a magical base that turns ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

Parmesan cheese adds a nutty depth that makes this pasta irresistible.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this decadent meal that promises pure culinary pleasure.

Flavor Enhancers for White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipes

• Pasta Perfection Pointers
• Creamy Consistency Trick: Whisk the milk and broth slowly into the roux to prevent lumpy sauce. A smooth, silky texture makes all the difference in white sauce pasta.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese fresh for maximum flavor and smoother melting. Room temperature cheese blends more easily into the sauce without clumping.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform this vegetarian dish by adding grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp for extra protein and depth of flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in roasted bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful, exciting dish.
• Spice Sensation: Experiment with red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, or a dash of nutmeg to elevate the sauce's complexity and give it a personal touch.

Serving White Sauce Penne Pasta at Dinner Time

• Pasta Party Platter: Create a vibrant spread by arranging the white sauce penne on a large wooden board alongside crispy garlic bread, fresh bruschetta, and a small bowl of mixed olives for a Mediterranean-style feast.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the pasta with grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this creamy dish into a more substantial meal that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Veggie Boost Bonus: Enhance the nutritional value by mixing in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach, which will add beautiful color, texture, and extra nutrients to the creamy white sauce penne.
• Fresh Finish Flourish: Sprinkle some fresh chopped basil, crush red pepper flakes, or add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving to elevate the flavor profile and create a restaurant-quality presentation.

Tips to Store White Sauce Penne Pasta Smoothly

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover white sauce penne pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Warm pasta gently in a microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Freezing Wisdom: Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor quality.
• Portion Control Magic: Divide pasta into individual serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label with date and contents to track freshness and simplify meal planning during busy weeks.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for White Sauce Penne Pasta You’ll Love

• Penne Pasta: Hearty tubes perfect for capturing creamy sauce, select bronze-cut pasta for better sauce adhesion.

• Unsalted Butter, Flour: Creates silky roux foundation for rich white sauce, use fresh butter for best flavor.
• Garlic: Adds deep aromatic warmth, choose fresh cloves for more intense flavor.
• Milk, Chicken Broth: Provides luxurious liquid base, opt for whole milk for creamier texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty complexity, choose freshly grated for authentic taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers gentle melting qualities, select full-fat version for smoother texture.
• Dried Parsley: Introduces subtle herbal notes, ensure herbs are fresh and fragrant.
• Garlic Salt, Black Pepper: Elevates overall seasoning, adjust according to personal preference.

Tools to Boil and Mix White Sauce Penne Pasta Efficiently

• Large saucepan: Essential for creating the creamy white sauce and cooking the garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring the roux and sauce without scratching the pan.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for a consistent sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain the cooked penne pasta.
• Grater: Used for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Cooking pot: Required for boiling the pasta.

Instructions for Making White Sauce Penne Pasta

• Pasta Foundation

Select quality penne and cook until perfectly tender, creating the base for your creamy white sauce adventure.

• Butter Magic

Gently melt butter in a spacious pan, introducing minced garlic for a fragrant start that promises deliciousness.

• Silky Sauce Creation

Blend flour into the buttery mixture, crafting a smooth foundation for a luxurious white sauce that will transform ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

• Liquid Symphony

Pour milk and broth slowly, stirring continuously to develop a velvety sauce that promises rich, comforting flavors.

• Cheese Harmony

Introduce Parmesan, creating a tangy and creamy texture that elevates the entire dish with its sophisticated character.

• Pasta Embrace

Fold cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is lovingly coated with the creamy white sauce.

• Final Flourish

Optional cheese sprinkle adds an extra layer of indulgence, making this dish irresistibly tempting.

Creamy White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy white sauce penne pasta emerges as a comforting Italian classic that delights pasta enthusiasts. Home cooks can easily master this rich, cheesy dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (16 oz/454 g) package penne pasta
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• 2 tsps dried parsley
• 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Garlic salt with parsley flakes, or salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring salted water to a rolling boil and cook penne until perfectly tender, then drain while preserving a small amount of cooking liquid.
2. Sauce Foundation: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden base and introducing minced garlic to infuse rich, aromatic flavors without scorching.
3. Sauce Development: Whisk flour into the butter-garlic mixture, forming a smooth roux, then gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent lumping and achieve a silky, consistent texture.
4. Flavor Enrichment: Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then blend in Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and black pepper, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy consistency.
5. Final Assembly: Gently fold the cooked penne into the velvety sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated, then transfer to serving dishes and top with a sprinkle of mozzarella or additional Parmesan, allowing the cheese to melt gloriously.
6. Presentation: Garnish with a light dusting of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan, creating an elegant and inviting finish to the creamy pasta dish.

Notes

• Master Roux Technique: Whisk flour into butter steadily and smoothly to prevent clumping and achieve a perfect golden base for your sauce.
• Prevent Garlic Burning: Stir minced garlic quickly over medium heat to release flavor without scorching, which can create bitter undertones.
• Cheese Melting Secrets: Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to ensure seamless integration and a silky, lump-free sauce consistency.
• Pasta Coating Trick: Fold pasta into sauce gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece gets an even, luxurious sauce coverage for maximum flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 55mg