Creamy & Cheesy White Sauce Pasta is the ultimate comfort food rich, smooth, and irresistibly cheesy! This classic pasta dish features a velvety béchamel-style sauce made with butter, milk, and cheese, creating a silky coating that perfectly hugs every bite of pasta. Whether served for a cozy family dinner or a quick weekday meal, it’s a guaranteed hit every time.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make restaurant-quality white sauce pasta at home simple, creamy, and endlessly customizable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Creamy Texture – Silky, cheesy sauce coats every bite.
- Easy to Make – Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Family Favorite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable – Add veggies, chicken, or shrimp for variety.
- Budget-Friendly – Made with simple kitchen staples.
- Perfect Anytime Meal – Comforting, rich, and satisfying.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the White Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk, warm
- ½ cup (50 g) grated mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside. - Make the Roux:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until slightly golden. - Add Milk:
Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until thick and smooth. - Add Cheese & Seasoning:
Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, black pepper, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy. - Combine with Pasta:
Add cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss gently until well coated. - Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese. Serve hot!
How to Serve
- Plating Tips: Serve in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan.
- Side Pairings: Pair with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
- Leftover Uses: Turn leftovers into a baked pasta by topping with breadcrumbs and cheese.
- Beverage Pairing: Complements white wine, sparkling water, or lemonade.
Additional Tips
- Use whole milk for extra creaminess.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much.
- Sauté onions and garlic before adding flour for deeper flavor.
- Mix in spinach or broccoli for a nutritious touch.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder.
- Garlic Twist: Add 2–3 minced garlic cloves for aroma.
- Veggie Mix: Include peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Blend in cheddar or gouda for extra richness.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Up to 1 month (add milk when reheating).
- Reheat: Warm on stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Special Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Pasta pot
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use almond or soy milk?
Yes, but it will have a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I bake this pasta?
Definitely top with cheese and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
What cheese works best?
A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan gives perfect stretch and flavor.
Conclusion
Creamy & Cheesy White Sauce Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl rich, satisfying, and ready in minutes. With its luscious, smooth sauce and endless customization options, it’s the perfect meal for any pasta lover. Once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
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Creamy & Cheesy White Sauce Pasta: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Creamy & Cheesy White Sauce Pasta is rich, smooth, and irresistibly comforting. This béchamel-style pasta comes together quickly with pantry staples and delivers big on flavor — a cozy favorite that’s endlessly customizable for weeknights or special meals.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp olive oil
For the White Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (480 ml) warm milk
½ cup (50 g) grated mozzarella cheese
¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Salt, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk 1–2 minutes until golden.
3. Slowly whisk in warm milk to avoid lumps. Cook until thick and smooth.
4. Stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, pepper, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
5. Add pasta to sauce and toss to coat thoroughly.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs or more cheese. Serve hot!
Notes
Use whole milk for best texture and creaminess.
Add a splash of pasta water if sauce thickens too much.
Customize with sautéed garlic, onions, or vegetables like spinach.
For extra richness, mix in cheddar or gouda cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg