Name: White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk (warm); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Creamy, dreamy, and ready in under 30 minutes, this White Sauce Spaghetti is the kind of comfort food that never fails to cheer up a weeknight. Every swirl of spaghetti hugs a glossy Parmesan-rich sauce, flecked with fragrant garlic and balanced by a hint of Italian herbs. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply pamper yourself with a decadent pasta night, this dish promises the familiar embrace of velvety textures and savory flavors. There’s a magic to a classic, and this White Sauce Spaghetti has all the hallmarks of a recipe you’ll want to come back to every time you crave something simple, satisfying, and oh-so-silky.

White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about White Sauce Spaghetti is how such everyday ingredients can create something truly special. Each component works in harmony, from the nutty Parmesan to the soft hint of garlic, transforming your kitchen into an Italian trattoria before you know it.

Spaghetti (8 oz): The classic base that soaks up the luscious sauce, making every bite irresistible.
Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons): Forms the foundation of the white sauce, delivering richness without overpowering the dish.
All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect, clingy consistency.
Whole Milk, Warm (2 cups): Warming the milk helps the roux blend smoothly, resulting in a silky sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Adds nutty, salty depth and melts beautifully for that signature creamy finish.
Garlic, Minced (2 cloves): Fragrant and bold, it perfumes the sauce without overpowering.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors in both pasta and sauce.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Lends a gentle warmth and subtle complexity.
Italian Seasoning (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Infuses the sauce with herbaceous aromatics (skip or swap as you like).
Chopped Parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of fresh color and brightness right before serving.

How to Make White Sauce Spaghetti

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti and cook until it’s just al dente—firm to the bite, but not hard. This way, the White Sauce Spaghetti won’t turn mushy when tossed in the sauce. Drain well and set aside, keeping a touch of the starchy pasta water in reserve in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In a big, heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling gently, toss in the minced garlic. Stir and sauté just until the garlic is fragrant—about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let it brown, as this can make the sauce bitter rather than aromatic.

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle in your flour and whisk it quickly into the butter and garlic, forming a smooth paste, otherwise known as a roux. You’ll want to cook this gently for 1–2 minutes. This step is what keeps your White Sauce Spaghetti lusciously thick rather than floury.

Step 4: Whisk in the Milk

Slowly pour in the warm whole milk, a bit at a time, all while whisking constantly. This is your ticket to a lump-free, smooth sauce. Keep the sauce moving gently for 3–5 minutes, until it thickens to a creamy consistency that clings beautifully to the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Seasonings

Reduce the heat to low, then add in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning if you’re using it. Stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce is perfectly smooth and glossy. Give it a little taste and adjust the seasoning if you like—maybe a pinch more salt or extra herbs.

Step 6: Toss the Pasta in the Sauce

Add the drained spaghetti straight into that gorgeous white sauce. Use tongs or a pasta fork to toss everything thoroughly, ensuring the noodles are coated from tip to tail. If the sauce feels a bit thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will help loosen it up. Now your White Sauce Spaghetti is ready for its delicious debut!

How to Serve White Sauce Spaghetti

Garnishes

A sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley just before serving not only adds a burst of color but also a bright, herbal lift that balances the richness of the sauce. If you want to take things up a notch, an extra dusting of Parmesan or a crack of black pepper on top puts a final touch on your White Sauce Spaghetti.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted vegetables for a pleasing contrast. And of course, a side of warm garlic bread or a rustic sourdough loaf is perfect for mopping up every last drop of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want a show-stopping plate, twirl your spaghetti into neat little nests and top each with extra cheese and parsley. Or, turn it into a casserole with spinach or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier spin. However you serve it, this White Sauce Spaghetti looks as luxurious as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover White Sauce Spaghetti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the fridge, it’ll stay creamy and tasty for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken slightly in the fridge, but it will come back to life when reheated.

Freezing

While you can freeze White Sauce Spaghetti in a pinch, remember that creamy sauces sometimes separate or become grainy after thawing. If you do freeze it, store in single portions for easier reheating, and add a splash of fresh milk when you warm it up to help restore the sauce’s silky texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often and adding a touch of milk as needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving on high, as this can cause the sauce to break. Done right, day-old White Sauce Spaghetti can taste just as satisfying as the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne are all delicious vehicles for this creamy white sauce. Just adjust your cooking time to suit the pasta shape and enjoy experimenting.

Can I make White Sauce Spaghetti gluten free?

Yes, simply substitute gluten-free spaghetti and swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You’ll still get that velvety, thick sauce without sacrificing texture or taste.

What protein can I add to make it more filling?

White Sauce Spaghetti is wonderfully versatile. Stir in cooked chicken strips, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas if you want to keep it vegetarian. The sauce pairs well with almost any addition!

Can I use a different cheese?

While Parmesan gives classic flavor, you can experiment with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a bolder twist. Just keep in mind that some cheeses melt differently, so look for hard, aged varieties.

Is it possible to make this sauce ahead of time?

It’s best to make the sauce fresh for optimal texture, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Store it covered and reheat gently, whisking well and adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency before tossing with pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers on comfort, elegance, and simplicity all at once, White Sauce Spaghetti is sure to become your new go-to recipe. It’s that perfect, cozy meal for all occasions—from slow Sunday suppers to impressing last-minute guests. Treat yourself to a little taste of creamy pasta heaven!

White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a creamy and flavorful White Sauce Spaghetti that is quick and easy to make. This classic Italian-American dish features al dente spaghetti coated in a rich, Parmesan-infused white sauce, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

8 oz spaghetti

Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk (warm)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Spaghetti: Cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, sauté garlic, whisk in flour, pour in warm milk gradually, whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer until creamy.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked spaghetti in the sauce until well coated. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Notes

For added protein, consider stirring in cooked chicken or shrimp.
Variations: Use half-and-half for a richer sauce or opt for gluten-free pasta and flour for dietary preferences.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American