Creamy White Sauce Pasta

A Delicious Homemade Delight

Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re preparing a classic comfort food that’s sure to please anyone at your table: Creamy White Sauce Pasta.

This dish is rich, flavourful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s a crowd-pleaser with its luscious, creamy sauce and tender pasta.

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite type)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the White Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk (you can use any milk you prefer)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Additional Flavor (Optional):

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shrimp, or your choice of protein
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the White Sauce:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture starts to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce is creamy.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

1. Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the white sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
2. If you’re adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, mix them in at this stage. Heat through for a few minutes.

4. Serve:

1. Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired.
3. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Tips:

• Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
• Flavour Boost: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for some brightness.
• Cheese: For a richer flavour, consider using a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella along with Parmesan.

Enjoy!

Your creamy white sauce pasta is ready to be enjoyed. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Bon appétit!

• -NE CRAFTERS