White Sauce Pasta with Vegetables
A cozy and creamy dish that uses simple ingredients to create a comforting meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta (penne, fusilli, or macaroni) Use your choice of pasta for best sauce clinging.
- 2 tbsp Butter For a rich base flavor.
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour To thicken the sauce.
- 2 cups Milk Whole milk is creamiest, but any will work.
- 1 cup Grated mozzarella For a creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup Grated parmesan Optional, but enhances flavor.
Vegetables
- 1 cup Bell peppers, chopped Add color and nutrition.
- 1/2 cup Sweet corn Adds sweetness.
- 1 cup Carrots, diced Cut small for even cooking.
- 1 cup Broccoli, chopped Add towards the end to avoid overcooking.
- 1 cup Mushrooms, sliced For an earthy flavor.
- 1 cup Peas Add last to maintain crispness.
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Salt To taste.
- 1 tsp Black pepper To taste.
- 1 tbsp Oregano or Italian seasoning For added flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Chili flakes Optional, for heat.
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tbsp Cream For extra richness.
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg A pinch for warmth.
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water To loosen sauce if too thick.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil the pasta in salted water until just cooked. Save half a cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a pan, add a little butter or olive oil and then the harder vegetables like carrots and broccoli. After a couple of minutes, add mushrooms and peppers, followed by peas or corn last.
Make the White Sauce
- In the same pan or a separate one, melt butter and mix in flour to create a smooth paste.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until it starts to thicken. Season with salt, pepper, herbs, and a hint of nutmeg.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheese until melted.
Combine
- Add the cooked pasta and vegetables to the sauce, stirring gently until everything is well-coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk. Let sit for two minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
Reheat leftover pasta with a splash of milk. Do not overcook the pasta initially as it will continue cooking in the sauce.