White Sauce Penne Pasta: Creamy, Comforting, and Perfect Every Time

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Few dishes are as universally loved as White Sauce Penne Pasta. Creamy, rich, and deeply comforting, this classic pasta recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen using simple ingredients and easy techniques. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or just yourself, this dish delivers big satisfaction with minimal effort.

At FoodieMoms, white sauce pasta is a staple for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly while still feeling indulgent. With tender penne coated in a silky garlic-infused cream sauce, this recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated.

Why White Sauce Penne Pasta Is Always a Winner

White sauce pasta—often referred to as Alfredo-style pasta—is loved for its smooth, velvety texture and mild, savory flavor. Penne is the perfect pasta shape for this sauce because its ridges hold onto the creamy goodness, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between buttery richness and light creaminess, making it filling without being overwhelming.

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Smooth, lump-free white sauce
  • Rich garlic and Parmesan flavor
  • Perfectly coated penne pasta
  • Ready in under 30 minutes
  • Easily customizable with veggies or protein

It’s a dependable recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Penne pasta
  • Butter
  • Garlic
  • All-purpose flour
  • Milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning (optional)

Each ingredient plays a role in creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

How to Make White Sauce Penne Pasta

  1. Cook penne pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. Melt butter in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in flour to create a roux.
  4. Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly.
  5. Simmer until thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
  6. Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until fully coated.

The key to a smooth white sauce is constant whisking and gentle heat.

White Sauce Penne Pasta

Creamy penne pasta tossed in a rich homemade white sauce with garlic and Parmesan.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups milk warm
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.75 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth.
  5. Simmer until sauce thickens, then add Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  6. Add cooked penne pasta and toss until fully coated.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Add pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Pasta

  • Always add milk slowly to avoid lumps.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting.
  • Salt the pasta water generously.
  • Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • Serve immediately for best texture.

Easy Variations

Chicken White Sauce Penne
Add cooked grilled or sautéed chicken.

Vegetable White Sauce Pasta
Add broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.

Spicy Cream Pasta
Add red pepper flakes or chili oil.

Cheesy Alfredo Style
Add mozzarella or extra Parmesan.

Garlic Lovers Version
Double the garlic for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
  • Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation.

White sauce pasta is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well with a little care.

Perfect Occasions for White Sauce Penne Pasta

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Date nights at home
  • Comfort food cravings
  • Kid-friendly meals
  • Potluck pasta dishes

It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that works for almost any occasion.

Why FoodieMoms Loves This Recipe

At FoodieMoms, we value recipes that feel comforting, reliable, and delicious without unnecessary complexity. White Sauce Penne Pasta fits that philosophy perfectly—it’s creamy, satisfying, and made with pantry staples.

This is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a creamy, cozy pasta dish that’s quick to make and endlessly adaptable, White Sauce Penne Pasta is the answer. Rich, smooth, and full of flavor, it’s a timeless classic that never disappoints.

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