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)
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.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce or 2% milk for a lighter version.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Adjust garlic salt and pepper to taste for seasoning preferences.
- Adding mozzarella cheese is optional but adds extra creaminess and meltiness.
- Ensure the pasta is drained well to avoid watery sauce.
- Serve immediately as the sauce can thicken further upon standing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
