If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is all you need. With tender penne perfectly coated in a luscious, cheesy white sauce, it’s an easy-to-make meal that brings a touch of elegance to your weeknight dinner or a simple, satisfying dish to impress friends. Every bite delivers a silky texture enriched with garlic and parmesan, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser. I’m so excited to share this recipe that’s become a personal favorite for its smooth, rich flavors and quick preparation time.

White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe calls for a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients, each chosen to create that perfectly balanced, creamy sauce and al dente pasta. These basics come together to deliver creamy texture, savory depth, and just the right hint of herbs for brightness.

Penne pasta: The perfect tubular shape to hold onto all that dreamy white sauce.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps build the sauce’s smooth base.
Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with a subtle but irresistible aroma and flavor.
All-purpose flour: A key thickening agent that helps create the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Milk: The main liquid that keeps the sauce light yet creamy.
Chicken broth: Adds savory depth to the sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Grated parmesan cheese: Brings an intense, nutty flavor and incredible creaminess.
Dried parsley: For a lovely herbaceous note and a touch of green color.
Garlic salt with parsley flakes or salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and contrast.
Shredded mozzarella or extra parmesan (optional): Gives an extra cheesy, melty finish to the dish.

How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside to make sure it doesn’t become soggy before mixing with the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the White Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about one minute to release its fragrant aroma without letting it burn. This step is crucial because the garlic flavor is the foundation of the sauce’s savory profile.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw taste. This creates a roux, the thickening base for your creamy sauce, ensuring it will have that luscious, velvety texture without any lumps.

Step 4: Add the Liquids

Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring continuously. Taking your time here prevents lumps and helps the sauce thicken evenly. Keep stirring as the sauce simmers and thickens — this should take about five minutes until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Cheese and Seasoning

Once the sauce is thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt (or regular salt), and pepper. Stir well until the cheese melts completely and the sauce turns glossy and rich, filling your kitchen with that irresistible cheesy aroma.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta right into the sauce. Toss thoroughly to make sure every piece is coated in that luscious white sauce. For an extra cheesy touch, stir in shredded mozzarella or more parmesan until melted and well combined. Serve immediately to enjoy this comforting delight at its best.

How to Serve White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil leaves can add a fresh burst of color and flavor. A little extra parmesan dusted on top creates a beautiful, savory finish that makes every serving look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette also complement it perfectly, soaking up every last bit of that divine white sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bake the pasta in a casserole dish topped with extra mozzarella until bubbly and golden on top. Or serve it in small, individual ramekins for an elegant, restaurant-style touch — the gooey cheese makes it even more irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover white sauce penne pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining most of its creamy texture and flavor.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Stir frequently to keep it creamy and avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also work beautifully with the white sauce in this recipe.

Is there a vegetarian version of this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe?

Yes! Simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian while maintaining great flavor.

Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?

Using heavy cream will make the sauce richer and thicker. If you do, you might want to reduce the butter slightly to balance the fat content, but it’s a delicious variation to try!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free penne pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. The flavor and creaminess will stay just as delightful.

What is the best cheese to use in the white sauce?

Parmesan cheese is key for its sharp, nutty flavor that defines the sauce. Combining it with mozzarella adds gooey meltiness. You can experiment with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a slightly different twist.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta is total comfort food bliss that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe will bring plenty of smiles and satisfied tastes around the table. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite quick dinner in your recipe collection!

White Sauce Penne Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 67 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A creamy and comforting White Sauce Penne Pasta recipe featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed in a rich homemade white sauce made with butter, garlic, flour, milk, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop dish is garnished with parsley and optional mozzarella cheese, delivering a deliciously smooth and cheesy pasta perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 (16-ounce) package penne pasta (about 4 cups)

White Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried parsley
Garlic salt with parsley flakes, or salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to prepare the sauce.
Prepare White Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, ensuring the raw flour flavor is cooked out completely.
Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring the mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Once thickened, add the grated parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce and mix well to coat all the pasta evenly. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese or additional parmesan cheese if desired, until melted and fully incorporated. Serve the pasta warm immediately for best flavor and texture.