White Sauce Penna Pasta

A bowl filled with white sauce penne pasta.

4.98 from 881 votes

White Sauce Penna Pasta

This White Sauce Penne Pasta is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with garlic Parmesan flavor. An easy 20 minute dinner the whole family loves.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package penne, about 4 cups
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons dried parsley
garlic salt with parsley flakes, or salt to taste
pepper to taste
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese or additional Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute more.
Add milk and broth and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce boils and thickens about 5 minutes.
Add parmesan, parsley, garlic salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted.
Add pasta to the sauce and stir to combine. Add mozzarella and stir until melted. Serve warm.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips.

Cook the pasta just to al dente so it doesn't become overly soft when mixed with the sauce.
Whisk constantly while adding the milk and broth to prevent lumps from forming. For even more tips, check out How to Make a Roux!
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-grated varieties.
Reserve a little pasta water before draining in case you want to thin the sauce slightly.
To make this dish even more delicious and hearty we like to add grilled chicken, chicken sausage, diced ham, or shrimp.

Store. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container(s) in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheat in the microwave, or a pot on the stove. You may need to add a little more milk to smooth out the sauce.

Make a freezer meal. Leave the pasta undercooked and prepare as directed. Allow it to cool and store in a freezer safe airtight container for 3-4 months.

To reheat. Thaw this simple pasta recipe in the fridge and reheat on the stove top stirring constantly to keep the cream base from curdling. Adding a bit more milk will help smooth out the texture.

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