White Sauce Penne Pasta (Ready in 20 Minutes) – Creamy Comfort Made Fast

When you need a meal that’s comforting, creamy, and satisfying — but don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen — White Sauce Penne Pasta is the answer. This classic dish delivers rich flavor, velvety texture, and restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or last-minute dinner plans.

White sauce pasta, also known as béchamel-based pasta, is beloved around the world for its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of pantry staples — butter, garlic, milk, cream, and cheese — you can create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to penne pasta. The result is a dish that feels indulgent without being complicated.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this quick white sauce penne pasta proves that simple food can still feel special.

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Why Penne Works Best for White Sauce

Not all pasta shapes are created equal. Penne is ideal for creamy sauces because:

• Its hollow center traps sauce
• Ridged edges hold onto creaminess
• It cooks quickly and evenly
• It provides a hearty, satisfying bite

Every forkful delivers the perfect balance of pasta and sauce — no bland bites, no puddles of cream left behind.

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What Makes This White Sauce Pasta Recipe Special

This recipe stands out because it’s:

• Ready in just 20 minutes
• Creamy without being heavy
• Made with everyday ingredients
• Customizable with vegetables or protein
• Beginner-friendly and fail-proof

Unlike overly thick or floury sauces, this white sauce is smooth, glossy, and well-balanced — rich enough to satisfy but light enough to enjoy any day of the week.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta

• 250 g penne pasta
• Water and salt for boiling

For the White Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk (warm)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• Salt to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• Sautéed mushrooms
• Steamed broccoli
• Sweet corn
• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp or bacon bits

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
2. Start the sauce
   In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
3. Make the roux
   Sprinkle flour into the pan and whisk continuously for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Add milk gradually
   Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Add cream and seasoning
   Stir in heavy cream, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and nutmeg if using.
6. Add cheese
   Reduce heat to low and mix in grated parmesan until smooth and creamy.
7. Combine pasta and sauce
   Add cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Finish and serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot.

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How to Get a Perfectly Smooth White Sauce

• Always whisk while adding milk
• Use warm milk, not cold
• Keep heat at medium to prevent scorching
• Add cheese off the heat to avoid graininess

These small steps make a big difference in achieving that silky, restaurant-style finish.

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Flavor Variations to Try

• Garlic Mushroom White Sauce Pasta
• White Sauce Chicken Penne
• Spinach & Corn White Pasta
• Chili Garlic Cream Pasta
• Four Cheese White Sauce Pasta

This base recipe adapts effortlessly to whatever you have in your fridge.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve white sauce penne pasta with:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• Fresh green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of white wine or sparkling water

It also works beautifully as a main dish or a creamy side.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk
• Avoid microwaving on high to prevent sauce separation

White sauce pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but reheats well with care.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking pasta (it will continue cooking in sauce)
• Letting garlic brown
• Adding cheese on high heat
• Skipping pasta water (it helps emulsify the sauce)

Avoid these and your pasta will turn out perfect every time.

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Why This Is the Ultimate 20-Minute Dinner

This white sauce penne pasta proves that fast food can still be homemade, wholesome, and delicious. It’s comforting without being heavy, simple without being boring, and quick without tasting rushed.

Once you master this base recipe, you’ll have endless dinner options at your fingertips.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and reliable pasta recipe, this White Sauce Penne Pasta (Ready in 20 Minutes) is one you’ll come back to again and again. It’s easy, adaptable, and universally loved — exactly what a weeknight dinner should be.