Pasta is one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy, and it’s also a very versatile ingredient, as it’s always delicious, regardless of the cooking method. Pesto sauce, Bolognese sauce, carbonara sauce… the list of options to accompany this dish is endless.
Today, we want to talk to you about white sauce, a delicious and easy-to-make option for food lovers who don’t have much experience in the kitchen. Although many people confuse it with Alfredo sauce, it’s important to emphasize that they are two completely different recipes, so don’t get them mixed up.
For today’s recipe, we’re sharing a delicious white sauce for pasta, but you’ll be happy to know it’s also great for other dishes, like chicken in white sauce. Ready? We’ll explain, step by step, how to make white sauce for pasta—a delicious option that requires little time and effort and will impress all your guests.
Table of Contents
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4 diners
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Low
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Wheat flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1 medium cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
| Nutmeg (optional) | To taste |
You Will Need
- A pot for making the white sauce (size depends on quantity)
- A saucepan for heating the milk
- A wooden spoon to stir and mix the sauce
Steps to Follow
- If you’re wondering how to make an easy white sauce for pasta, start by placing the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt slowly. It’s important not to use very high temperatures, as the goal is for the butter to melt, not burn.
- While the butter is melting, heat the milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove it just before it starts to boil.
- Once the butter has melted, add the flour gradually. Stir constantly so it blends well with the butter and no lumps form. This should create a smooth, creamy paste. Stir for about one minute to ensure the mixture is well combined.
- When the paste is ready, pour in the milk little by little, just as you did with the flour.
- The key is to achieve a smooth, creamy, lump-free texture. Keep stirring with a spoon until the mixture is well combined, begins to boil, and starts to thicken. Always keep the heat low to prevent lumps or burning.
- Once the sauce thickens, continue stirring for about two minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t become too thick.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add salt and pepper to taste. If you like nutmeg, add the desired amount at this point.
Video Guide 📽️
You’ve now finished making your homemade white pasta sauce. If you’d like to add other ingredients, that’s completely up to you. Finally, add the sauce to your chosen pasta and serve.
Tips
- When cooking white sauce, it’s best to use wooden spoons for stirring. This helps prevent the sauce from sticking and protects the pot.
- Always keep the heat low and constant to avoid burning or sticking.
- Avoid raising the heat to speed up the process, as this can ruin the sauce.
- These quantities are for four people. If you like more sauce, simply increase the amount of each ingredient.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 220 mg |
FAQs
Can I use this white sauce for dishes other than pasta?
Yes, this sauce works very well with dishes like chicken in white sauce, vegetables, or baked recipes.
Why should I keep the heat low?
Low heat helps prevent the sauce from burning, sticking, or forming lumps, ensuring a smooth texture.
Is nutmeg necessary?
No, nutmeg is optional. It adds extra flavor, but the sauce is still delicious without it.
Conclusion
This white sauce for pasta is a simple, practical recipe that’s perfect for beginners. With basic ingredients and careful cooking, you can create a creamy and smooth sauce that pairs well with pasta and other dishes. It’s quick to prepare and easy to adapt to your taste.
