How to Make Creamy White Sauce Pasta at Home: A Guide

Creamy white sauce pasta with veggies is one of my favorite pasta recipes. It's cheesy and oh so good! Packed with veggies, this is a great way to make kids eat their veggies. Packed with flavor and comfort, this pasta is perfect for those chilly evenings. In this guide, I will walk you through the process of making this delicious dish at home.

The Classic White Sauce: Béchamel

The creamy white sauce, also known as béchamel sauce, has its origins in French cuisine. Classic béchamel sauce is made with butter, flour, and milk. For this pasta, I add a touch of cream and cheese to make it extra creamy, blending it into a unique mix that can be seen as a crossover between alfredo and béchamel.

Ingredients

Pasta - Penne pasta is a personal favorite, but you can use other shapes like macaroni or rigatoni. Veggies - Feel free to use any veggies you like. For this recipe, I used peppers, broccoli, onions, sweet corn, and added a lot of garlic, as it complements the pasta so well. Milk - Whole milk works best, but you can also use 2% milk for a lighter option. Using cream will make the sauce richer. Seasonings - Dried Italian seasoning and dried oregano are recommended, but herbs like basil and thyme can also work. Butter and Parmigiano Reggiano - To finish the pasta and make it extra creamy.

Instructions

1. Start by boiling your pasta of choice until it is al dente. Drain it without shaking it and then add it to a serving bowl. Add 30 grams of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese for each portion of pasta.

2. In a separate pan, make the béchamel sauce. Start by melting butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for a minute to combine. Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to ensure there are no lumps.

3. Once the sauce begins to thicken, you can add cream (if using) and season with dried Italian seasoning and dried oregano. Adjust as necessary to your taste.

4. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the cheese and the béchamel sauce. Toss well until the pasta is coated evenly.

5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmigiano Reggiano and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. This pasta pairs perfectly with a homemade garlic bread to make the ultimate comforting meal.

Conclusion

A bowl of this creamy white sauce pasta on a cold day can't get any more comforting. It's cheesy, creamy, and filled with veggies like peppers and broccoli. It's great for date nights, making it a complete meal when paired with garlic bread. It's also an excellent choice for packing in lunch boxes or as a quick dinner option. This white sauce is a favorite back home, and I often make this pasta in India for my family. Enjoy it as a comforting, hearty dish, rich in flavor and love.