If you’re craving a comforting, creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe will become your new favorite in no time. It combines tender spaghetti with a luscious homemade white sauce that’s rich, velvety, and perfectly seasoned. Each bite melts in your mouth, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a simple yet elegant dish. Trust me, the magic lies in the dreamy texture of the white sauce paired with the subtle notes of garlic and Parmesan, elevating this spaghetti to something truly special.

White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here is simple but plays a crucial role in creating that perfect creamy white sauce and perfectly cooked spaghetti. Each item brings a unique touch, whether it’s richness, flavor, or texture, to make this dish shine.

  • 200g spaghetti: The classic pasta base; choose a good-quality brand for the best texture.
  • 2 tablespoons butter: Melted to create the roux, giving your sauce a silky foundation.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the sauce without lumps.
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (preferably whole milk): Adds creaminess and body to the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream: Boosts richness for that indulgent, velvety mouthfeel.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky warmth that’s not overpowering.
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring the whole dish together.
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional): For a hint of aromatic herbiness.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty finish and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Offers a fresh pop of color and brightness at the end.

How to Make White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente—just tender but still a little firm to bite. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is a secret weapon that helps the sauce cling beautifully to your pasta later.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly and fragrant. Immediately add the all-purpose flour, whisking continuously to create a smooth paste called a roux. Cooking the roux for 1 to 2 minutes helps remove the raw flour taste and ensures your sauce will be silky rather than floury or grainy.

Step 3: Add Milk and Cream

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Once the milk is fully incorporated, stir in the heavy cream and continue gently cooking the sauce for 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll notice it starting to thicken and coat the back of a spoon, which is exactly what you want.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Now’s the moment to build flavor by adding the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional dried oregano. Stir everything well, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully into the sauce, creating a smooth, cheesy, and aromatic coating for your pasta.

Step 5: Combine Spaghetti with Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into your aromatic white sauce and toss gently to coat every strand evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your perfect consistency. This trick ensures your pasta is luscious without being heavy or gloopy.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Once your spaghetti is beautifully coated in creamy white sauce, take the pan off the heat. Serve it up piping hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. This final flourish adds freshness and a lovely visual contrast that makes the dish even more inviting.

How to Serve White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe

White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or a little extra Parmesan cheese on top adds not only color but a punch of freshness and flavor. You could also try a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few cracked black peppercorns for a bit of a rustic touch that really wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

This creamy spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness while roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus bring texture and earthiness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is always a winner to mop up every last bit of that luscious white sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fancier presentation, twirl the spaghetti into neat nests on each plate using a fork and ladle a little extra sauce around the edges. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crispy fried sage leaves on top for delightful crunch. Serving in small cast-iron skillets straight from the stove adds charm and keeps the dish hot even longer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from your White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken upon chilling, but don’t worry, it’s easy to revive.

Freezing

While not ideal to freeze spaghetti with white sauce due to texture changes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce separately. Freeze them in airtight containers for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat.

Reheating

To reheat your white sauce spaghetti, place it in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as it warms. Stir gently until heated through and creamy again. Avoid the microwave if possible, as reheating too quickly might cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works wonderfully, other types like fettuccine, penne, or even shells can carry the white sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking times according to your pasta choice.

Is it possible to make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like almond milk and coconut cream, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly. Using nutritional yeast can help mimic that cheesy richness without dairy.

How do I prevent lumps in the white sauce?

The key is to whisk continuously when adding milk to the roux and add the liquid gradually. This slow incorporation keeps the mixture smooth and creamy without any clumps.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Certainly! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon make excellent additions that complement the creamy white sauce perfectly. Add them just before tossing everything together for best texture.

What herbs go best with this White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe?

Dried oregano is a classic choice here, but fresh basil, thyme, or chives can also add wonderful aroma and freshness to the dish. Experiment with what you have on hand to find your favorite flavor combo.

Final Thoughts

This White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe is one of those glorious meals that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly, making it a must-have in your cooking rotation. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with comforting pasta fills the soul and the stomach alike. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple you’ll want to make again and again.

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White Sauce Spaghetti Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 76 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • 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 al dente pasta coated in a rich homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, milk, cream, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and onion powders and garnished with fresh parsley.


Ingredients

Scale

Spaghetti:

  • 200g spaghetti

White Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups 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

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use, then set the spaghetti aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes without letting it brown.
  3. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps, then add the heavy cream. Continue stirring and cook the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional dried oregano. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce in the pan. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly, using the reserved pasta water sparingly if the sauce needs thinning.
  6. Serve: Remove the pan from heat and serve the spaghetti immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for better coating.
  • Use whole milk and heavy cream for a richer, creamier sauce.
  • Do not let the roux brown; it should stay pale for the best white sauce color.
  • Fresh parsley adds a lovely color and fresh flavor at the end.
  • This sauce can easily be customized with added cooked vegetables or proteins.

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