Creamy, comforting, and delightfully simple, White Sauce Spaghetti is the kind of meal that feels like a little celebration, even on an ordinary weeknight. With tender pasta wrapped in a velvety, garlicky Parmesan sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor and ease. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that delivers restaurant flavor in under 30 minutes, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into every delicious detail of this White Sauce Spaghetti together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches to create truly memorable White Sauce Spaghetti. Every ingredient pulls its weight here, adding essential creaminess, flavor, or a pop of color to the finished dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Spaghetti: The classic pasta shape for soaking up that luscious white sauce; use regular or whole-wheat based on your preference.
- Unsalted Butter: The rich, creamy base for the sauce—using unsalted lets you control how salty the final dish tastes.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just the right amount for thickening the sauce and creating that irresistible, silky texture.
- Whole Milk (warmed): Warm milk integrates seamlessly and creates a smooth, creamy consistency that clings to every noodle.
- Parmesan Cheese (grated): This salty, nutty cheese practically melts into the sauce and offers up big flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Just a couple cloves add savory depth—be sure not to skip it!
- Black Pepper: A pinch of pepper always wakes up the flavors and adds gentle heat.
- Salt: Adjusts everything to taste and brings out the richness in the cheese and sauce.
- Italian Seasoning (optional): For a little extra herby punch, stir in some Italian seasoning if you love those classic flavors.
- Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a bit of bite to every plate.
How to Make White Sauce Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until just al dente, following the package directions. Don’t overcook—you want the noodles to have a little bite so they hold up well in the sauce. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water just in case you want to thin the sauce later.
Step 2: Make That Dreamy White Sauce
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt your butter until it’s wonderfully foamy. Toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick sauté for about 30 seconds. This short cooking time releases the aromatics without burning the garlic. Now, sprinkle the flour in and stir constantly, letting it cook for a minute or two. This forms a roux, which is key for a glossy, luxurious white sauce.
Step 3: Add the Milk and Whisk It Smooth
Slowly pour the warm milk into the saucepan, whisking the whole time to prevent any lumps. Go little by little—it makes a world of difference for a silky outcome. Keep whisking for about 4–5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken and bubble gently. That’s when you know you’re very close!
Step 4: Stir In the Flavor Powerhouses
To your thickened sauce, add the grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re feeling herby. Stir as the cheese melts completely into the sauce, turning it from basic to magical. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed; this is the moment for a little chef’s tweak!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked spaghetti right into the sauce and toss it well—use tongs to ensure every strand is coated perfectly. If needed, a splash of reserved pasta water will help loosen the sauce to your liking. Pile the White Sauce Spaghetti onto plates and get ready to swoon over the aroma.
How to Serve White Sauce Spaghetti
Garnishes
A simple flourish can make your White Sauce Spaghetti feel extra special. Sprinkle each serving with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness, and don’t be shy with a little extra grated Parmesan on top. If you’re in the mood for a peppery finish, a twist of freshly cracked black pepper is always welcome.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with sides that balance the creamy richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for sopping up leftover sauce. A crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette offers contrast and freshness, while roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or mushrooms fit right in.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve your White Sauce Spaghetti in shallow bowls so guests can see all that creamy shine. Swirl the pasta with tongs before plating for a restaurant feel, or serve family-style in a big dish with parsley and cheese in the center. If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in sautéed mushrooms, cooked chicken, or even roasted cherry tomatoes for different flavor twists.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover White Sauce Spaghetti, let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just know that the sauce thickens up a bit during storage, but it’s easy to revive.
Freezing
While pasta with creamy sauces isn’t always the best candidate for freezing, you can freeze White Sauce Spaghetti if needed. Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to a month. To serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and add a touch of milk or cream when reheating to restore the silky texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a saucepan or skillet over low heat and add a splash of milk or water. Stir gently until heated through and the sauce loosens up to its original creamy glory. The microwave works too, but stir halfway through for even heating. Top with fresh parsley and another sprinkle of Parmesan for a just-made finish.
FAQs
Can I use another type Main Course
Definitely! While spaghetti is classic, fettuccine, linguine, or even penne all work well—just cook until al dente and follow the same sauce steps for a creamy finish on any pasta shape.
Can I make White Sauce Spaghetti gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free spaghetti and use a one-to-one gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to thicken the sauce. The results will be just as satisfying and flavorful.
What protein can I add to make it a more filling meal?
Cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms are all fantastic additions to White Sauce Spaghetti. Stir them in at the end so they pick up a little of the sauce’s flavor without overcooking.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Add the milk slowly and whisk constantly while you pour. This helps the roux—your butter and flour mixture—combine smoothly with the milk. Warm milk also helps keep everything lump-free.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead for a dinner party?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the point where you combine the sauce and pasta, then reheat gently when ready to serve, tossing the spaghetti in the sauce right before serving to keep it creamy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy bowl of homemade White Sauce Spaghetti—the kind that makes you slow down and savor every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just indulging after a long day, this dish promises satisfying simplicity and a little escape to Italy, all in under half an hour. Go ahead, give it a try, and let it become an instant favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful white sauce spaghetti that is sure to become a family favorite. This easy-to-make pasta dish combines al dente spaghetti with a rich garlic Parmesan sauce, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Spaghetti:
- 8 oz spaghetti
White Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: In salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the white sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic, add flour, then slowly whisk in warm milk. Cook until thickened. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Combine: Add cooked spaghetti to the sauce, toss to coat.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using half-and-half.
- Enhance the dish by incorporating sautéed mushrooms, cooked chicken, or steamed broccoli.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
