Penne Pasta in White Sauce Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty and creamy pasta dish, this Penne Pasta in White Sauce is a perfect choice. It’s loaded with fresh veggies like broccoli, sweet corn, and bell peppers, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. The rich and velvety white sauce is made with a simple base of butter, flour, and milk, finished with a touch of cheddar cheese for extra flavor. Whether you’re preparing this for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it will undoubtedly become a family favorite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 1 cup |
| Sunflower oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter | 1-1/2 tablespoon |
| Whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour) | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk (boiled & cooled) | 1-1/2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | To taste |
| Red chili flakes | To taste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sweet corn (boiled) | 3/4 cup |
| Broccoli (cut into florets) | 1 cup |
| Red bell pepper (diced) | 1 |
| Yellow bell pepper (diced) | 1 |
| Butter (for sautéing veggies) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Red chili flakes (for veggies) | To taste |
| Salt (for veggies) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 10g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Calcium | 180 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4
Cuisine
Italian
Course
Dinner
Diet
Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Begin by boiling enough water in a saucepan. Add a generous pinch of salt and a teaspoon of sunflower oil.
- Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the penne pasta and cook uncovered until it reaches an al dente texture—soft yet firm to the bite. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
- After the pasta is cooked, drain it using a colander and set aside. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to use later for thinning the sauce if needed.
-
Prepare the White Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1-1/2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour) and roast the flour, stirring continuously for about a minute. The flour should turn a light golden color.
- Gradually add 1/2 cup of the boiled and cooled milk, stirring constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Once the flour and milk are well blended, slowly pour in the remaining milk.
- Allow the mixture to cook until it starts thickening into a smooth sauce. Continue stirring to avoid scorching the bottom of the pan.
- Once the sauce has thickened, season it with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder, salt, and red chili flakes to taste.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of grated cheddar cheese and mix well until the cheese melts and incorporates into the sauce.
- If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Simmer the sauce on low heat until it reaches a creamy texture.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- While the sauce is simmering, melt 1/2 tablespoon butter in a separate pan.
- Add the boiled sweet corn, broccoli florets, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and sauté them on medium heat for about 2 minutes. The vegetables should remain crunchy, especially the broccoli and bell peppers.
- Season the sautéed vegetables with salt and red chili flakes to taste.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Once the vegetables are sautéed, add them into the prepared white sauce and stir to coat them evenly with the creamy mixture.
- Finally, add the drained penne pasta into the white sauce along with the veggies. Stir gently until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Your creamy and flavorful Penne Pasta in White Sauce is ready to be served!
- Serve immediately with a side of Healthy Fresh Vegetable Salad or any salad of your choice for a balanced meal.
Tips for a Perfect White Sauce Pasta
-
Use Fresh Ingredients:
Freshly grated cheddar cheese and milk that’s been recently boiled and cooled make a significant difference in the flavor and texture of the white sauce. -
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables:
The bell peppers and broccoli should retain a slight crunch. Overcooking them can make the dish feel mushy. -
Watch the Sauce Consistency:
If the white sauce thickens too much, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This starchy water helps maintain the creamy texture without making the sauce too runny. -
Adjust Seasoning:
Keep in mind that pasta, vegetables, and cheese already have some salt content, so add salt to the sauce carefully to avoid over-seasoning. -
Customize the Veggies:
Feel free to swap or add more vegetables according to your preference. Mushrooms, zucchini, or peas make excellent additions to this creamy pasta dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Penne Pasta in White Sauce pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or garlic bread. For a more complete meal, you can serve it with a light soup or a bowl of fresh fruit salad. If you’d like a little extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu as a topping.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to the pasta and warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to maintain the creamy texture.
This recipe brings together the best of both worlds—the comforting creaminess of a white sauce with the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables. Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a weekend treat, this penne pasta dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
