This White Sauce Pasta is a rich, creamy dish made with penne pasta, sautéed vegetables, and a delicious homemade béchamel sauce. It’s quick to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and loaded with flavors from butter, milk, cheese, and a variety of fresh veggies. With the added option of extra cheese or cream, this dish becomes indulgent and satisfying for anyone craving a comforting, creamy pasta meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 cup Penne pasta (or any pasta of your choice)

• 3 cups Water

• Salt (for boiling)

For the White Sauce (Béchamel Sauce):

• 1 ½ tbsp Butter

• 1 ½ tbsp All-purpose flour (maida)

• 1 ½ cups Whole milk

• 2-3 tbsp Grated mozzarella cheese

• 2 tbsp Heavy cream (optional, for richness)

• ½ tsp Dried oregano

• ¼ tsp Red chili flakes

• Black pepper, to taste

• Salt, to taste

For the Vegetables:

• ½ tbsp Butter

• 1 tsp Garlic, minced

• ¼ cup Carrot, chopped

• ¼ cup Bell pepper, chopped

• ¼ cup Broccoli, chopped

• ¼ cup Sweet corn

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, and cook the penne pasta as per package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:
   Heat butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds. Add the chopped veggies (carrot, bell pepper, broccoli, and sweet corn) and cook until tender but still crunchy (about 2 minutes). Set them aside.

3. Make the White Sauce:
   In a saucepan, melt butter on low heat, then add flour. Stir for a minute to cook the flour. Gradually add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

4. Finish the Sauce:
   Add heavy cream (if using), mozzarella cheese, oregano, red chili flakes, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

5. Combine:
   Add the sautéed vegetables and cooked pasta to the white sauce, tossing everything together. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

6. Serve:
   Serve the pasta hot, with extra cheese and red chili flakes if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 510 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 67g

• Protein: 20g

• Fat: 19g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 4g

• Cholesterol: 56mg

• Sodium: 218mg

• Potassium: 628mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 14g

• Vitamin A: 1530 IU

• Vitamin C: 37mg

• Calcium: 401mg

• Iron: 2mg

What Makes White Sauce Pasta So Special?

There’s a reason why pasta with white sauce, also known as béchamel sauce, is such a popular dish around the world. The combination of butter, milk, and cheese creates a luxurious, rich sauce that’s both smooth and comforting. The creamy béchamel sauce is the perfect pairing for pasta, as it clings to each piece and makes every bite satisfying.

This White Sauce Pasta recipe stands out because of its balance of flavors and textures. The pasta itself is cooked perfectly al dente, and the sautéed vegetables—carrots, bell pepper, broccoli, and sweet corn—add color, freshness, and a slight crunch that complements the creamy sauce. The addition of mozzarella cheese and a dash of heavy cream (optional) takes this dish to the next level, adding a rich, cheesy flavor that’s hard to resist.

How to Make White Sauce Pasta: A Simple and Quick Recipe

Making White Sauce Pasta is quick and straightforward, even for beginners. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and creamy pasta dish in under 30 minutes. Here’s how you can make it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the penne pasta (or your pasta of choice) according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Make sure to reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining it, as you may need it later to adjust the sauce consistency. This step is crucial, as the reserved water adds extra starch to the sauce, helping it to cling better to the pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the vegetables. Heat ½ tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped veggies—carrot, bell pepper, broccoli, and sweet corn—to the pan. Cook them for about 2 minutes until they are tender but still slightly crunchy. The veggies add texture, color, and a fresh, natural sweetness to the dish. Once cooked, set them aside.

Step 3: Make the White Sauce

Now it’s time to make the creamy white sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt 1 ½ tablespoons of butter over low heat. Once melted, add 1 ½ tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir for about a minute to cook the flour. This is the base for your béchamel sauce.

Next, slowly add 1 ½ cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring for about 4-5 minutes as the sauce thickens. This process creates a smooth and creamy texture, which is essential for a delicious white sauce.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce

Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time to add the flavor enhancers. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of grated mozzarella cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor. You can also add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream for extra richness (optional, but highly recommended). Next, season the sauce with ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon of red chili flakes (for a slight kick), black pepper, and salt to taste. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Vegetables

Once the white sauce is ready, add the sautéed vegetables and cooked pasta to the sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The reserved pasta water helps thin out the sauce and ensures it clings beautifully to the pasta.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pasta and sauce are well combined, serve the White Sauce Pasta hot. You can garnish it with extra cheese and a sprinkle of red chili flakes if desired. The creamy texture, combined with the cheesy goodness and fresh vegetables, makes this dish a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for any occasion.

Tips for Perfect White Sauce Pasta

1. Use Whole Milk: For the creamiest sauce, opt for whole milk. Skim or low-fat milk can make the sauce too thin and less rich.

2. Cheese Variations: While mozzarella is commonly used, you can also add Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile. Combining different cheeses adds complexity to the dish.

3. Make It Creamier: If you want an even richer sauce, add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese for a luxurious texture.

4. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with the veggies. Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or zucchini are great additions to this dish. Just sauté them along with the other vegetables for added flavor and texture.

5. Adjust the Spice: The amount of red chili flakes can be adjusted depending on your spice preference. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili flakes or omit them entirely.

Conclusion: A Comforting, Creamy Classic

White Sauce Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, creamy sauce paired with tender pasta and fresh vegetables. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal to share with loved ones, or a satisfying indulgence, this dish has everything you need—flavor, texture, and comfort.

With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, White Sauce Pasta is a dish you can make again and again, customizing it to suit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that is sure to become a family favorite!