Easy Ways to Make White Sauce Pasta

Making white sauce pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that can be easily prepared at home. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make creamy and flavorful white sauce pasta:

### Ingredients:

- 250 grams of pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)

- 2 tablespoons of butter

- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

- 2 cups of milk

- 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: minced garlic, chopped onions, chopped parsley, cooked chicken or vegetables for added flavor

### Instructions:

1. **Boil the Pasta:**

   - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   - Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (cooked but still firm).

   - Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. **Prepare the White Sauce:**

   - In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

   - If using, add minced garlic and chopped onions and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

   - Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste (roux). Cook the roux for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.

3. **Add Milk:**

   - Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

   - Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

4. **Season and Add Cheese:**

   - Season the white sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

   - Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until the cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce. The sauce should be creamy and smooth.

5. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:**

   - Add the cooked pasta to the white sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

   - If desired, add cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, or chopped parsley to the pasta and sauce mixture for added flavor and texture.

6. **Serve Hot:**

   - Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove the pasta from the heat.

   - Serve the white sauce pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

### Tips for Perfect White Sauce Pasta:

- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more milk if it's too thick or simmering it longer to thicken if it's too thin.

- Experiment with different pasta shapes and additions like mushrooms, broccoli, or bacon for variety.

- For a creamy and indulgent twist, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream or add a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.

With these simple steps and tips, you can create a delicious white sauce pasta dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Enjoy your creamy and flavorful pasta creation!