White Pasta Sauce with Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This creamy white pasta sauce is a delicious and easy way to elevate your everyday penne. With a rich blend of butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, it creates a comforting dish perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Penne Pasta
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture thickens slightly and turns a light golden color.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and continue stirring until it thickens.
- Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 6: Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or use all milk.
- Add cooked mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken for extra flavor and texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and taste.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little more milk or broth.
Storage
Store leftover pasta with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other pasta shapes for this sauce?
Yes, this sauce pairs well with most pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I make this sauce dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter and substitute milk with almond or oat milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
PrintWhite Pasta Sauce with Parmesan Recipe
A creamy and flavorful white pasta sauce made with butter, garlic, chicken broth, milk, and Parmesan cheese, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta for a comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb Penne Pasta
Sauce
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup Flour
- 2 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flour: Whisk in the flour, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux and slightly thicken the mixture.
- Incorporate Liquids: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and continue stirring until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Cook until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the white sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the creamy white pasta sauce hot for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- The sauce thickens as it cools; reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen if necessary.
- Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the flavor.
Keywords: white pasta sauce, penne pasta, creamy pasta sauce, Parmesan sauce, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta sauce
