I still remember the first time I made this white sauce pasta—it was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I was craving something creamy and comforting without ordering in. I wanted something quick, cozy, and made from whatever I had on hand. Luckily, there was just enough in the pantry: some penne, milk, butter, and a few basic spices. So, I went for it.
To my surprise, it turned out to be the most satisfying bowl of...
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
In a wide pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until just fragrant, avoiding browning.
Add the flour and stir for 1–2 minutes until it smells slightly nutty, but does not change color.
Slowly add the warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Keep stirring on medium heat until the sauce thickens into a smooth, creamy consistency.
Stir in salt, black pepper, mixed herbs or oregano, chilli flakes (if using), and cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted.
Add the boiled penne to the sauce and gently mix to coat each piece evenly. Let it heat through for a minute or two.
Serve your creamy white sauce pasta hot, garnished with extra cheese or freshly chopped spring onions for a little crunch and freshness.
Use warm milk to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
Whisk constantly while adding milk to prevent the flour from clumping.
Avoid browning garlic or flour for a clean, white sauce.
Choose pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or macaroni that hold the sauce well.
Add cheese last to keep the sauce creamy and avoid curdling.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust the consistency.
Customize it by adding sautéed vegetables, sweet corn, mushrooms, or grilled chicken.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli or macaroni that hold the sauce well.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
You can cook the sauce a bit longer or add a little more flour while whisking.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or any protein of your choice.
What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer a bit longer to thicken or add a bit more flour.
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