White Sauce Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pasta:

• 200g pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite variety)

• Salt (for boiling pasta)

• Water (for boiling pasta)

For the White Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida)

• 2 cups milk (preferably warm)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a kick)

• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

• 1/2 cup cream (optional, for extra richness)

For the Vegetables (optional):

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1/2 cup bell peppers, thinly sliced (any color)

• 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced

• 1/2 cup broccoli, blanched

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing vegetables)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

   • Drain the pasta and set aside. You can drizzle a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together.

2. Sauté the Vegetables (Optional):

   • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

   • Add bell peppers, mushrooms, and broccoli, and sauté for another 3-5 minutes until softened. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the White Sauce:

   • In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat.

   • Add 2 tablespoons of flour and stir continuously with a whisk or spoon for about 2 minutes until the flour is cooked and forms a smooth paste (known as a roux).

   • Gradually add warm milk in a slow stream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture over medium heat until it thickens into a smooth sauce, stirring frequently (about 4-5 minutes).

   • Add black pepper, salt, chili flakes, oregano, and basil. Stir well to combine.

   • Add the Parmesan cheese and cream (if using) for extra creaminess. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked pasta to the white sauce and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.

   • If you sautéed vegetables, mix them into the pasta and sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little more milk to adjust the consistency.

5. Serve:

   • Serve the white sauce pasta hot, garnished with more grated Parmesan, chili flakes, and fresh herbs if desired.

This creamy and delicious white sauce pasta can be served as a main dish or a side, and it's perfect for a comforting meal!