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!

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Place a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and add the unsalted butter.

Step 2

Let the butter melt completely without browning, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6

Season the sauce with salt, ground black pepper, and optional garlic powder for a subtle flavor boost.

Step 7

If using Parmesan cheese, stir it in at the end until melted and fully combined into the sauce.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before tossing it with your cooked pasta of choice.

Step 9

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	594.7 grams (594.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	766

Total Fat 51.30g	66%
Saturated Fat 30.80g	154%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 154mg	51%
Sodium 2280mg	99%
Total Carbohydrate 38.20g	14%
Dietary Fiber 0.60g	2%
Total Sugars 23.90g
Protein 40.80g	82%

Vitamin D 239IU	1193%
Calcium 1278mg	98%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 857mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.4%

Protein: 21.0%

Carbs: 19.6%