This creamy white pasta sauce is a favorite for its smooth texture and rich flavor. Made with simple ingredients like cream, garlic, and cheese, it’s easy to whip up!
If you have a busy night ahead, this sauce is your best friend. Just toss it with your pasta of choice, and dinner is served—hello, leftover sauce! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend penne for its shape that holds the sauce well, but feel free to use any pasta like fusilli or spaghetti—just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Butter: Unsalted butter is great for controlling the salt in the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based butter instead.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor! If you’re short on time, jarred minced garlic is a quick substitute, but fresh is always best for that lovely aroma.
Flour: This is used to thicken the sauce. For a gluten-free option, you can replace it with cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water to create a slurry.
Milk: Whole milk creates a nice creaminess, but you can use half-and-half or heavy cream for an extra indulgent sauce. Non-dairy milk works too, just choose a creamy variant.
Cheese: Parmesan is essential for that salty, nutty flavor. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute, and Nutritional yeast is perfect for a vegan version.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is Creamy and Smooth?
The key to a creamy white sauce is in the technique of making a roux and properly whisking the ingredients.
- Start by melting the butter, then add garlic and cook just until it’s fragrant. You don’t want it to brown.
- Sift in the flour and whisk constantly—it needs to blend completely with the butter and garlic.
- Pour in the milk slowly while whisking vigorously. This step prevents lumps from forming.
- Keep cooking and whisking until the sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon. If it seems too thick, add a splash more milk to thin it out.
With a little patience, you’ll have a beautifully creamy sauce ready to douse your pasta! Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious White Pasta Sauce Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sauce:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup grated Romano cheese (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy white pasta sauce will take about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta and making the sauce, plus a few minutes to toss it all together. Quick and easy—perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce.
2. Start the Sauce:
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter!
3. Make the Roux:
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk it continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This helps thicken your sauce without lumps, so keep whisking!
4. Add the Milk:
Gradually pour in the whole milk (or heavy cream), continuing to whisk constantly. This helps to avoid any lumps forming in your sauce. Keep cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon—this should take about 5 minutes.
5. Cheese It Up:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (and Romano if you’re using it) until fully melted and mixed in. This adds that creamy, cheesy goodness!
6. Season Well:
Don’t forget to season your sauce! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste—adjust to your preference for the perfect flavor.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Now, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce and mix until every piece is well-coated in that delicious creamy sauce.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Plate up your creamy white pasta, sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor, and serve warm. Enjoy!
This white pasta sauce pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta you like—such as fettuccine, rotini, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and replace the cheeses with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese blend. It’ll still be delicious!
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
What Should I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
If your sauce ends up too thick, simply add a splash of milk or water while stirring it on the stove until it reaches your desired consistency. Just ensure to heat it gently to keep it creamy!