White Sauce Pasta
Here’s a creamy and delicious White Sauce Pasta recipe. White Sauce Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish made with pasta coated in a rich, velvety bechamel sauce. The sauce is prepared by melting butter, adding flour to create a roux, and gradually incorporating warm milk to achieve a smooth texture. Seasoned with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, it’s then mixed with cooked pasta. For added flavor, vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sauteed and added. The dish is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal, and can be garnished with grated cheese or herbs for extra taste.
Ingredients of White Sauce Pasta:
For the white sauce (bechamel sauce):
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1 ½ cups milk (preferably warm)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp grated cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
For the pasta:
- 200g pasta (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (optional)
- ½ cup vegetables (optional, e.g., peas, carrots, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Boil the Pasta:
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Next, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until it is al dente. Afterward, drain the pasta and set it aside. To prevent the pasta from sticking together, toss it with a little olive oil.
2. Prepare the White Sauce (Bechamel Sauce):
While the pasta is cooking, start making the white sauce. Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Then, gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take around 3-5 minutes. At this point, season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). If you like your sauce creamier, feel free to stir in some grated cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
3. Saute the Vegetables (Optional):
While the sauce is thickening, you can prepare the vegetables (if you’re using them). Heat 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add the vegetables and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they become tender. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Combine the Pasta and White Sauce:
Now, add the cooked pasta to the pan with the white sauce, stirring gently to ensure the pasta is well-coated. Subsequently, add the sautéed vegetables to the pasta and mix everything together. Let the pasta and sauce cook for an additional 2-3 minutes so that the pasta absorbs some of the sauce.
Serve:
Now, your creamy and comforting white sauce pasta is ready to enjoy!