Description
Bechamel Sauce Pasta & White Sauce Pasta combine the creaminess of classic white sauces with the comforting satisfaction of pasta. Bechamel sauce, a velvety white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk, forms the base for this dish, offering a rich, smooth texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Paired with your favorite pasta, it creates a dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. Whether you choose to enjoy it as a simple pasta dish or elevate it with various toppings, Bechamel Sauce Pasta & White Sauce Pasta are perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Gather the following ingredients to make your Bechamel Sauce Pasta & White Sauce Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a cheesy version)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Bechamel Sauce:
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s completely melted and bubbly.
- Add the Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to make a smooth roux. This will help thicken the sauce later.
- Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to taste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, if desired, and cook until it melts into the sauce, giving it a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for an additional 1-2 minutes to fully incorporate the flavors.
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce:
- Toss the Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the Bechamel sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 12g