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White Sauce Pasta

This creamy white sauce for pasta is silky, rich, and ready in 30 minutes, suitable for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Base Sauce Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
For the Pasta
  • 400 grams pasta — penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon salt for boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Add-ins
  • 2 pieces boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • red pepper flakes to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a full rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil once it boils.
  2. Add your 400 grams of pasta and cook according to package directions, subtracting 1 minute for al dente. Set a timer to prevent overcooking.
  3. Scoop out 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. Place a wide, deep skillet over medium heat. Add your 3 tablespoons of butter and let it melt slowly.
  2. Add your 5 cloves of minced garlic and stir constantly for 60 to 90 seconds until it smells aromatic and is just soft.
  3. Sprinkle your 3 tablespoons of flour over the garlic butter, stirring to eliminate any clumps. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring continuously.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually pour in 2 cups of warmed milk while whisking continuously.
  5. After the milk is fully incorporated, add 1 cup of heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce thickens and is glossy.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
  7. Gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  8. Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss over low heat, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Notes

Store leftover white pasta sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid separation. You can make this sauce ahead of time and refrigerate.