Béchamel Sauce Pasta
A creamy and comforting pasta dish coated in a rich béchamel white sauce with optional vegetables. This classic Italian-inspired recipe is simple to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk, warm
- ½ tsp salt, adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ tsp nutmeg, optional
- ¼ cup grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or mozzarella)
- 2 cups pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni)
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter, for sautéing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup onions, finely chopped
- ½ cup bell peppers, diced
- ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup boiled sweet corn
Instructions
- 1
Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot. Add salt and olive oil.
- 2
Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 3
Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
- 4
Gradually pour in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- 5
Cook until the sauce thickens (around 3-4 minutes). Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.
- 6
Stir in the grated cheese and mix until smooth. Remove from heat.
- 7
In another pan, heat olive oil or butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- 8
Add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and sweet corn. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- 9
Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables into the white sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- 10
Cook for another 2 minutes on low heat to let the flavors blend.
- 11
Garnish with grated cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Cook's Notes
The vegetables are optional—you can skip them if preferred. Do not brown the flour roux too much; a light golden color ensures a smooth sauce. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.