Hey there, pasta lovers! This Creamy Dreamy White Sauce Pasta is about to become your new best friend for busy weeknights. It’s bursting with flavour, crazy easy to make, and will definitely satisfy your cheesy cravings. Plus, you can totally customize it with your favourite veggies and protein – win win!
In this Post:
TIPS
- Veggie Fun! Add broccoli, peas, zucchini – anything you love!
- Al Dente Pasta: Don’t overcook it – aim for a slight bite.
- Whisk it Good: No lumps! Smooth sauce is key.
- Cheese Power! Experiment with Parmesan, cheddar, or blends.
- Thin It Out: Sauce too thick? Add a splash of milk or water.
How to make Creamy Dreamy White Sauce Pasta
1
Pasta Party
â—‰ Boil that water! Fill your large pot with water (around 5-6 cups) and crank up the heat. Once it’s boiling like crazy, add some salt (½ teaspoon) and a splash of oil (½ teaspoon). Then, throw in your pasta (2 cups) and cook according to the package instructions. We’re aiming for al dente – that means it should be cooked through but still have a little bit of a bite. While your pasta twirls around happily, get those veggies ready.
2
Veggie Showtime:
â—‰ Heat up your oil (2 teaspoons) in a pan over medium heat. Toss in that minced garlic (1 teaspoon) and cook it for about 30-40 seconds, until it smells amazing. Add your chopped onion (1) and cook it for 1-2 minutes, until it’s nice and softened. Then, it’s time for the colourful crew – throw in the chopped carrot (1 small) and diced capsicum (½). Sauté for another 2 minutes, but keep an eye on them – you want them to be slightly crisp-tender, not mushy. Now’s the moment for your boiled corn, cook it for another minute or so. Season it all up with some salt (to taste) and black pepper powder (½ teaspoon). Set this delicious mixture aside for now.
Top Tip: Feeling adventurous? Add your favourite chopped veggies! Broccoli, peas, zucchini – the possibilities are endless! If you’re a meat lover, this is the perfect time to throw in some cooked chicken or shrimp.
3
White Sauce Magic
◉ In another pan, melt that butter (4 tablespoons) over medium heat. Here comes the whisking fun! Add the all-purpose flour (4 tablespoons) and whisk it constantly for 3-4 minutes. You want to cook out that raw flour taste and get a slightly golden colour going. Slowly whisk in the milk (2 cups), a little bit at a time, and make sure there are no lumps – a smooth sauce is key! Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken up nicely.
Flavour Frenzy: Time to season that white sauce! Add some salt (to taste), black pepper powder (½ teaspoon), red chili flakes (½ teaspoon, if you like things spicy), and mixed herb seasoning (½ teaspoon). Now, pour in those cooked veggies (from step 2) and your drained pasta. Grab your spatula and toss everything together until it’s beautifully combined. You want each piece of pasta to be coated in that creamy dreaminess.
4
Cheese Heaven:
â—‰ This is the best part – cheese time! Add 3-4 tablespoons of grated cheese and cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting it melt and become one with the pasta. If your sauce seems a bit too thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of milk or water to thin it out and get the perfect consistency.
Pro Tip: Cheese is endlessly customizable! Experiment with Parmesan, cheddar, or even a blend for a different flavour profile.
5
ready for serve:
â—‰ Plate up your masterpiece! Garnish your Creamy Dreamy White Sauce Pasta with extra grated cheese (if you went easy on it before), a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a touch of heat (optional), and some mixed herb seasoning for an extra pop of flavour (also optional). Devour this cheesy goodness while it’s hot, and enjoy every single bite!
LOOKING FOR MORE PASTA PERFECTION:
- Creamy Chicken Goat Cheese Pasta: For a tangy twist, try this recipe: Creamy Chicken Goat Cheese Pasta
- Chicken Pasta with Zucchini: Lighten things up with this veggie-packed dish: Chicken Pasta with Zucchini
- Easy Penne Pasta Recipe with Chicken: This one-pan wonder is a weeknight lifesaver: Penne Pasta Recipe with Chicken
Recipe
Creamy Dreamy White Sauce Pasta
So many of you have been asking for a killer white sauce pasta recipe, and guess what? I've finally nailed it! This one's super simple and makes the creamiest, dreamiest pasta ever. If you're all about that cheesy, velvety sauce hugging every single noodle, then you’re going to love this.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 2 cups of penne (200 grams should do it)
- Plenty of water for boiling
- A good pinch of salt
- Just a splash of oil
Veggie time:
- A couple of teaspoons of your favourite cooking oil (olive or butter works great too)
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic (fresh is best!)
- 1 onion, roughly chopped up
- 1 carrot, chopped small
- ½ a capsicum, cubed up nice and neat
- A handful of sweet corn, boiled up
- Feel free to throw in some mushrooms or chicken if you're feeling fancy
For that dreamy white sauce:
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Half a teaspoon each of chili flakes and mixed herbs for that extra kick
Garnishes:
- Lots of grated cheese (as much as you like!)
- A little extra chili flakes and mixed herbs for sprinkling on top
Instructions
Pasta First:
- Boil your pasta in salted water with a bit of oil until it’s just shy of fully cooked - you want it al dente. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside.
Get Those Veggies Going:
- Heat up your oil in a pan, toss in the garlic until it smells amazing, then add the onions until they're just turning clear.
- Throw in the carrots, capsicum, and corn and stir them around until they're brightly coloured but still crunchy. Set them aside.
Sauce Time:
- In the same pan, melt that butter and stir in the flour. Cook it till it’s just golden and smells toasty. Slowly whisk in the milk so there are no lumps and keep stirring until it thickens up into a gorgeous sauce.
Bring It All Together:
- Drop your veggies and pasta into the sauce and give it a good mix. Season with salt, pepper, chili flakes, and herbs. Let everything mingle on the heat for a few minutes so the flavours really come together.
- Stir through a generous amount of grated cheese until it’s perfectly melty.
Serve It Up:
- Spoon out heaps of this creamy pasta into bowls, and hit it with more cheese, some chili flakes, and herbs right on top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Creamy Dreamy White Sauce Pasta:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works beautifully, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle.
What vegetables can I add?
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Chopped broccoli, peas, zucchini, or spinach would all be delicious additions.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Sure! Simply omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few extra red chili flakes to the white sauce while it simmers.
My sauce is too thick. What can I do?
No worries! Just add a splash of milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Tent the lamb loosely with aluminium foil to prevent burning.
Q: How can I make the leftover lamb more flavourful?
A simple side salad or some crusty bread would be perfect!