Easy White Sauce for Pasta
Transform your pasta nights with this creamy and versatile Easy White Sauce for Pasta! Made with kitchen staples like unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and milk, this homemade béchamel-style sauce comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals. Seasoned with a hint of garlic powder and freshly ground pepper, with the option to add Parmesan cheese for a rich, savory twist, this simple sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta shape. Whether you're elevating a basic spaghetti dinner or using it as a base for baked pasta dishes, this recipe delivers a smooth, velvety texture that’s sure to impress. Perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned chefs alike, this creamy pasta sauce is a must-have in your recipe repertoire!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder (optional)
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and add the unsalted butter.
Let the butter melt completely without browning, about 1-2 minutes.
Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth paste. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in the milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until all the milk is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Season the sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and optional garlic powder for a subtle flavor boost.
If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in at the end until melted and fully combined into the sauce.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before tossing it with your cooked pasta of choice.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
766 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 51.3 g | 66% | |
| Saturated Fat | 30.8 g | 154% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 154 mg | 51% | |
| Sodium | 2280 mg | 99% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.2 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.9 g | ||
| Protein | 40.8 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.0 mcg | 30% | |
| Calcium | 1278 mg | 98% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 857 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
