Who doesn’t love a steaming plate of pasta smothered in a rich, creamy white sauce? With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of know-how, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy white sauce pasta easy to make at home.
**The Key to a Great White Sauce: The Roux**
The foundation of any good white sauce is a roux. This French cooking technique combines equal parts fat and flour, which are cooked together until golden brown. This creates a smooth base that thickens the sauce without a starchy or floury taste. For a classic white sauce, we’ll be using butter and all-purpose
flour. 
**Ingredients:**
* 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk (whole milk for extra richness)
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 pound pasta (penne, macaroni, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
** Method To Make :
1. **Make the roux:** Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until it becomes a smooth paste. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the roux is golden brown.
2. **Whisk in the milk:** Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until fully incorporated. Be sure to whisk out any lumps. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened and creamy, about 5 minutes.
3. **Season and flavor:** Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir in the Parmesan cheese and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.
4. **Cook the pasta:** While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of the pasta water.
5. **Combine and serve:** Add the pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
**Tips and Tricks:**
* For an extra decadent sauce, add a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese.
* If you don’t have Parmesan, you can substitute another type of hard cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere.
* Want to add some protein? Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or salmon at the end.
* Get creative with your vegetables! Spinach, peas, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted broccoli all pair well with white sauce pasta.
* Make it a vegetarian feast! Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a flavorful and healthy twist.
With this simple recipe and a few tips, you’ll be a white sauce pasta pro in no time. So put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
**Happy cooking!**