There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy White Sauce Pasta. Silky béchamel sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and the option to toss in colorful veggies — it’s a dish that brings restaurant-style indulgence straight to your kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a cozy date night, or a lazy weekend lunch, this easy white sauce pasta is always a winner. Let’s dive into the recipe!
✨ What is White Sauce Pasta?
White Sauce Pasta, also known as pasta in béchamel sauce, is an Italian-inspired dish where pasta is coated in a rich and creamy white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. It’s a blank canvas that you can customize with herbs, vegetables, cheese, or even protein like chicken or mushrooms.
📝 Ingredients
Pasta:
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2 cups pasta (penne, fusilli, macaroni, etc.)
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Salt (for boiling)
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1 tsp oil
White Sauce (Béchamel):
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2 tbsp butter
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2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
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2 cups warm milk
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Salt to taste
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
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½ tsp Italian seasoning or mixed herbs
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2–3 tbsp grated cheese (optional, but recommended for extra creaminess)
Optional Add-ins:
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1 cup chopped veggies (bell peppers, broccoli, sweet corn, carrots)
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1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
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1–2 garlic cloves, minced
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water. Cook until al dente (firm to bite), then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional)
In a separate pan, heat olive oil or butter. Sauté garlic until aromatic, then add your favorite vegetables and cook for 3–5 minutes. Set aside.
3. Make the White Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter on low heat. Add flour and stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes — this forms the roux, the base of your sauce.
Gradually add warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens. This usually takes about 4–5 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian herbs. Stir in cheese for that extra luscious texture.
4. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed veggies to the white sauce. Mix gently until everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
Serve hot, topped with extra cheese, herbs, or even chili flakes if you love a little heat.
💡 Tips & Variations
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Make it vegan: Use plant-based butter, oat or almond milk, and vegan cheese.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour.
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Add protein: Grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or shrimp go great with this dish.
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Kids’ favorite: Skip the chili flakes and load up on cheese for a kid-friendly version.
🍽️ What to Serve With White Sauce Pasta
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Garlic Bread – Classic combo.
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Fresh Green Salad – Light and refreshing.
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Iced Tea or Lemonade – Perfect for a summer day.
❤️ Final Thoughts
White Sauce Pasta is one of those recipes that’s easy to master and hard to forget. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a meal that feels special and satisfying.
If you try this recipe, tag me in your photos or leave a comment below — I’d love to hear how it turned out!
