There’s something truly comforting about a warm plate of White Sauce Penne Pasta. The creamy, rich sauce envelops the delightful penne, creating an irresistible date night meal or a cozy family dinner that’s sure to impress. As I boil the water and prepare the ingredients, I can already envision smiles all around the table. Penne pasta, with its playful tubular shape, catches the velvety sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Whether you’re a busy mom, an entertaining friend, or simply looking for something delicious to whip up, this recipe has got you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy prep: Perfect for those busy weeknights when time is scarce.
- Rich and creamy flavor: The combination of Parmesan and garlic creates an indulgent experience.
- Versatile: Great on its own, or add your favorite protein for a heartier dish.
- Kid-friendly: The simple flavors are sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to create this comforting dish:
- Penne – the star of the show, providing that fantastic texture.
- Unsalted butter – for a rich, creamy base.
- Minced garlic – delivering bold flavor to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour – to help thicken our sauce just right.
- Milk – for that creamy consistency we all love.
- Chicken broth – making the sauce more savory.
- Grated parmesan cheese – the flavor powerhouse of this dish!
- Dried parsley – adding a pop of color and freshness.
- Garlic salt with parsley flakes – bringing everything together, seasoning to taste.
- Pepper – for a touch of warmth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese or additional Parmesan cheese (optional) – because more cheese is always a good idea!
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into making this delicious white sauce penne pasta! Don’t worry; it’s much easier than it sounds:
1. Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s al dente, drain and set it aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. It will warm your kitchen as it begins to sizzle!
3. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter, cooking for about one minute. The aroma will waft through your home, making everyone curious about what’s cooking.
4. Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, cooking and stirring constantly for an additional minute. This step is vital – if not cooked long enough, it has a raw flour taste, and we want to avoid that!
5. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking to prevent any lumps from forming. Keep stirring until this lovely mixture begins to boil and thicken, about five minutes.
6. Now, it’s time to add the grated Parmesan, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and everything is beautifully combined.
7. Finally, add the cooked penne into the sauce, gently stirring to coat every piece. If you’re feeling indulgent, toss in the shredded mozzarella and stir until melted. Serve warm, and enjoy the reactions from your family and friends!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
– When you add flour to the melted butter, be sure to cook it thoroughly to avoid that floury aftertaste.
– To ensure a lump-free sauce, pour in the milk slowly while whisking continuously. Your efforts will definitely pay off!
– Make this dish even heartier by adding grilled chicken, chicken sausage, diced ham, or shrimp. The possibilities are endless!
How to Serve
I love serving this white sauce penne pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and added flavor. Pair it with a delicious side salad and some crusty garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress. You can also top it with additional Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil.
Make Ahead and Storage
This meal is perfect for meal prep! Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you’re hoping to enjoy it even longer, freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Don’t forget to add a splash of milk to the sauce if it has thickened up in storage.
With this delightful White Sauce Penne Pasta recipe, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful meal that hits the spot every time. It’s easy, versatile, and simply delicious – make it a staple in your recipe collection, and I promise you won’t regret it!
White Sauce Penne Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 package (16-ounce) penne about 4 cups
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- garlic salt or salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add flour, cooking for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Slowly whisk in milk and broth, cooking until sauce boils and thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in parmesan, parsley, garlic salt, and pepper until cheese melts.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well. If desired, stir in mozzarella until melted. Serve warm.