Basic White Sauce Pasta 🧈🥛🧄🧀 Creamy, Buttery, and Perfectly Simple With a Silky Béchamel Base

This pasta is built on the backbone of a classic béchamel — a buttery roux whisked into milk, then enriched with garlic, cheese, and a pinch of spice.

It’s silky, rich, and comforting on its own or a blank canvas for veggies, proteins, or bold add-ins.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the pasta

• 8 oz spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine
• Salted water for boiling

For the white sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole preferred, or 2%)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and white or black pepper to taste
• ½ cup grated Parmesan or mild white cheese (mozzarella, Gruyère, etc.)

To finish

• Extra grated cheese
• Chopped parsley or basil
• Optional: drizzle of olive oil or truffle oil

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Make the roux
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until it bubbles and smells slightly nutty but stays pale (don’t brown it).

Step 3: Whisk in the milk
Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 4–6 minutes, whisking, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add flavor
Stir in garlic, nutmeg if using, salt, and pepper. Add cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Adjust thickness with pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Combine and serve
Toss pasta with the white sauce until glossy and well coated. Serve hot with extra cheese and herbs.

Flavor Variations

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli
• Stir in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or flaked salmon
• Use cheddar for a mac-and-cheese twist
• Add a spoonful of Dijon or grainy mustard for tang
• Mix in peas or sun-dried tomatoes for brightness

Pro Tips

• Don’t rush the roux — 1–2 minutes removes raw flour taste
• Warm the milk slightly before adding for smoother blending
• Whisk constantly to avoid lumps
• Adjust sauce thickness with a splash of pasta water at the end
• Use finely grated cheese for smooth melting

Final Thoughts

White Sauce Pasta is classic comfort — creamy, mellow, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with veggies, herbs, or protein, it’s the kind of dish that hits the spot every time.

Whisk it. Swirl it. Keep it creamy and clean. 🧈🥛🧄🧀

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