If there’s one dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, it’s White Sauce Pasta. Rich, creamy, and deliciously comforting, this pasta dish has a way of turning a regular dinner into something special. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or need a quick meal that satisfies every tastebud, this recipe never disappoints.

Made with a silky, béchamel-style sauce, it’s the perfect base for customizing with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat. It’s kid-friendly, date-night worthy, and makes for the kind of leftovers you’ll be excited about.

Why You’ll Love This White Sauce Pasta

This pasta dish delivers on flavor without being overly complicated. You’ll love how versatile it is—add mushrooms, spinach, grilled chicken, or keep it simple and vegetarian. The sauce is made from pantry staples, making it a go-to even on those “nothing in the fridge” kind of days. It’s creamy without being too heavy and pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While penne is a classic choice, this recipe plays well with any shape. Fusilli, farfalle, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work just as well. The key is to choose a pasta that holds the sauce nicely—something with ridges or curves for the white sauce to cling to. Whole wheat and gluten-free options are also great alternatives.

Ingredients for the White Sauce Pasta

Creamy, simple ingredients come together to form a beautiful dish. Here’s a breakdown of what you need and why each ingredient matters.

Butter: The base of our white sauce, it adds richness and helps create that silky texture.

All-purpose flour: Combines with the butter to form a roux, which thickens the sauce.
Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but 2% also does the trick. It’s what turns the roux into a smooth, dreamy sauce.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth and a savory aroma.

Salt: Balances the sauce and enhances every flavor.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and bite.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it an umami punch and cheesy goodness.

Cooked pasta: Use what you love—just make sure it’s cooked al dente so it doesn’t go mushy.
Olive oil: A touch to sauté the garlic or toss the pasta so it doesn’t stick.

How To Make the White Sauce Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and starts to smell slightly nutty.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens—this takes about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Flavor the Sauce

Stir in the garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until fragrant and well incorporated. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well. If it’s too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Optionally, garnish with chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.

How to Serve and Store White Sauce Pasta

This creamy pasta is best served fresh off the stove, while the sauce is velvety and hot. It feeds about 3 to 4 people generously. If you’re meal prepping or have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and stir well while warming on the stove or in the microwave.

What to Serve With White Sauce Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Warm, buttery garlic bread is a no-brainer and helps scoop up all that creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons make a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.

Roasted Veggies

Try roasted broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini to add color and a bit of charred flavor.

Grilled Chicken

Lean and juicy grilled chicken breast makes it a hearty, protein-packed meal.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy mushrooms in olive oil or butter pair beautifully with the cheese and garlic notes.

Steamed Asparagus

Lightly steamed asparagus brings a fresh, slightly bitter bite to balance the richness.

Tomato Basil Soup

This makes a cozy and vibrant starter to round out the comfort food theme.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this White Sauce Pasta is hitting all the right notes, you’ll love exploring these other pasta favorites too:

Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni with a savory, creamy twist.

Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe for a bold, spicy dinner fix.
Creamy Mushroom Ravioli Recipe for when you want a luxe vegetarian option.
Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce if you like things on the spicier side.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can revisit it anytime cravings strike.

Did you toss in some peas or bacon? Maybe added a pinch of nutmeg? I’d love to hear your spin in the comments!

Explore beautifully curated comfort food and health-boosting recipes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next craveable favorite.

Conclusion

White Sauce Pasta is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a home chef without needing a culinary degree. It’s a blank canvas you can dress up or down, and no matter what, it turns out satisfying and delicious every time. Keep it in your weekly rotation and you’ll never go wrong with creamy pasta magic.