If you’ve been craving a silky, comforting pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a timeless classic that pairs perfectly rich, creamy goodness with tender spaghetti, delivering a luscious texture and delicate flavors that are simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a dish that feels both elegant and utterly homey. Trust me, once you taste this divine white sauce coating every strand of spaghetti, it will become a fast favorite in your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that luscious, creamy texture and subtle flavor profile. They’re all simple pantry staples, yet when combined, they transform into a dish that’s rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying.
- 200g spaghetti: Choose a quality pasta to ensure perfect al dente texture that holds up beautifully to the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create the smooth roux base of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce into that silky consistency you’re craving.
- 1 1/2 cups milk (preferably whole milk): Brings creaminess without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce decadently smooth and indulgent.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory depth without any harsh bite.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the base flavor of the sauce subtly and naturally.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Balances the sauce and highlights the creamy richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional): Infuses a hint of herbal warmth for extra complexity.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish that melds everything together.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor at the end.
How to Make White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling your spaghetti in salted water until just al dente. This is key because the pasta will continue to soak up sauce when combined later. Be sure to reserve a little pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce consistency later and helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.
Step 2: Create the Roux
In a large pan, melt your butter over medium heat until shimmering, then whisk in the flour. Keep whisking steadily for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste without letting it brown. This roux is the foundation of your creamy white sauce, providing that thick, velvety texture that makes the dish so luxurious.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Base
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps forming. Once incorporated, stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens gently. This part is magical – you’ll see the sauce start to cling to your whisk and coat the pan beautifully, signaling it’s ready for seasoning.
Step 4: Season and Enrich
Now, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano if using. Stir them well into the sauce so the flavors become perfectly balanced. Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until it melts fully and the sauce turns luxuriously smooth and creamy. The cheese adds a wonderful umami note that elevates the entire dish.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer your drained pasta into the pan with the white sauce. Toss everything together gently so each strand gets perfectly coated. If the sauce feels a little thick, don’t hesitate to splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This step ensures every bite of spaghetti bursts with creamy flavor.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Turn off the heat and plate your spaghetti while it’s piping hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Serve straight away for the best experience — the sauce is at its silky peak here, making every mouthful delightfully smooth and indulgent.
How to Serve White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for color; it adds a hint of brightness that cuts through the creaminess, making each bite more vibrant and fresh. A little extra grated Parmesan is always a welcome touch to amplify that rich, savory flavor on top. For a touch of elegance, you might add a few cracked black peppercorns or a sprinkle of chili flakes to bring subtle warmth.
Side Dishes
White Sauce Spaghetti shines beautifully alongside light, crisp salads like a peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple green salad with a tangy balsamic drizzle. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a fantastic addition, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on your plate. Steamed or roasted veggies such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans offer a fresh, healthy contrast too.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe by twirling the pasta into neat nests on the plate and garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look. Serve it in individual shallow bowls to make it feel cozy and inviting—perfect for a dinner party. You might even try topping with crispy fried sage leaves or toasted pine nuts to add a texture contrast that’ll surprise and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the sauce thickens as it cools, you might find it a little dense upon reheating, but a bit of added milk or pasta water will bring it right back to silky perfection.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe because dairy-based sauces tend to separate when thawed. However, if necessary, freeze the pasta and sauce separately in sealed containers for best results, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. This slow reheating helps the sauce regain its creamy texture and prevents it from breaking. Avoid high heat or the microwave on high power, which can cause the sauce to curdle.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully for its classic look and texture, feel free to try penne, fettuccine, or even shell pasta. Just cook according to the package instructions and toss with the white sauce as directed.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk and use vegan butter. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it can still produce a delicious creamy sauce with some adjustments.
What can I add to make the sauce more flavorful?
Adding sautéed mushrooms, cooked chicken, or spinach can boost both flavor and nutrition. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can be stirred in at the end for added freshness. A touch of nutmeg also complements the white sauce wonderfully if you want a warm, subtle spice.
Can I prepare the white sauce ahead of time?
You can make the white sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to eat, gently reheat it on the stove, whisking constantly and thinning with milk if necessary before tossing with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Simply whisk in a little reserved pasta water or milk a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired silky consistency. The starch in the pasta water is perfect for loosening the sauce without diluting its flavor.
Final Thoughts
This White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe is a delightful, comforting dish that combines simplicity with indulgence in the best way possible. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again, whether for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner with friends. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked on that creamy, dreamy sauce coating every bite of tender spaghetti. Enjoy every delicious forkful!
Print
White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy and comforting White Sauce Spaghetti recipe featuring a smooth homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and cream, enriched with Parmesan cheese and seasoned with garlic and onion powder. Perfect for a quick and delicious pasta meal in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Spaghetti
- 200g spaghetti
White Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (preferably whole milk)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes without letting it brown to remove the raw flour taste.
- Prepare the white sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add the heavy cream and continue to stir. Allow the sauce to cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season and add cheese: Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried oregano if using. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the white sauce. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat it evenly. Add some of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
- Serve: Remove the pan from heat and serve the spaghetti immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency to your liking without diluting the flavor.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce, but you can substitute with lower-fat dairy if desired.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and imparts a superior flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Do not let the roux brown, as this will change the color and taste of the sauce.
- This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
