Description
Indulge in a luxurious bowl of creamy pasta featuring a homemade white sauce that’s rich and comforting. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal. It’s a versatile base that pairs wonderfully with your choice of protein or vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) pasta, any shape
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated (optional)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the white sauce. In a medium saucepan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly with a whisk to create a smooth paste, known as a roux.
- Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, continuing to whisk, until it’s light golden and smells slightly nutty. This helps to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, adding a little at a time to prevent lumps. Continue whisking constantly as the sauce thickens. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it is smooth, creamy, and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the white sauce with salt, black pepper, and optional freshly grated nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked, drained pasta directly to the white sauce. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. If adding Parmesan cheese, stir it in now until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your homemade creamy pasta with white sauce!
Notes
- Always cook your pasta al dente – firm to the bite, not mushy. This ensures it holds up and finishes cooking slightly in the pan with the sauce.
- Reserving starchy pasta water is crucial; it’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce’s consistency and helping it adhere to the pasta.
- Using unsalted butter allows you to control the seasoning precisely.
- Gradually adding warmed milk to the roux helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, silky sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure any Parmesan cheese used is rennet-free.
- Consider adding a handful of fresh spinach or cooked mushrooms for added vegetables.
Nutrition
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