Nag Family Recipes

A curated collection of family favorites

All Recipes

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.

Total Time30 min
Prep10 min
Cook20 min
Servings2-3
ByFamily Recipe

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. 1

    Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot. Add salt and olive oil.

  2. 2

    Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. 3

    Heat butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until light golden.

  4. 4

    Gradually pour in warm milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

  5. 5

    Cook until the sauce thickens (around 3-4 minutes). Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using.

  6. 6

    Stir in the grated cheese and mix until smooth. Remove from heat.

  7. 7

    In another pan, heat olive oil or butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

  8. 8

    Add onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and sweet corn. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.

  9. 9

    Add the cooked pasta and sautéed vegetables into the white sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

  10. 10

    Cook for another 2 minutes on low heat to let the flavors blend.

  11. 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.