Easy Creamy Pasta Sauce Recipes to Try at Home
If you love creamy pasta dishes, mastering a simple white sauce is your next kitchen win. Also known as béchamel, this simple yet versatile base is the starting point for so many delicious meals. Once you know how to make cream sauce from scratch, you’ll never rely on jarred versions again.
Avoiding dairy? We’ve included an easy dairy-free variation for making white sauce below.
How to Make Cream Sauce for Pasta
This easy white sauce for pasta uses just a few simple ingredients that you probably have on hand.
White Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: grated cheese, nutmeg, garlic powder, onion powder
Step 1: Make a Roux
A roux is a cooked mixture of fat (such as butter) and flour used to thicken sauces. To make one, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth. Continue whisking and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 2: Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the cold milk, whisking the whole time to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and combined.
Test Kitchen Tip: Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce and create a velvety texture.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens.
Test Kitchen Tip: You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Now’s the time to season your white sauce. Add salt and pepper, and try a pinch of nutmeg, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavor.
Test Kitchen Tip: For a flavor-packed twist, turn your basic white sauce into a creamy garlic pasta by adding sautéed minced garlic or roasted garlic paste.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional but Delicious!)
If you’re craving extra indulgence, stir in a handful of your favorite cheese until melted. Parmesan, mozzarella, or even cream cheese can take your sauce to the next level.
Love cooking with cheese? Check out our guide to the best types of cheeses for cooking at home.
Vegan-friendly Dairy-free Cream Sauce
Yes, you can make a creamy pasta sauce without any dairy!
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just trying to cut back on dairy, it’s totally possible to create a rich, satisfying cream sauce without traditional milk, butter, or cheese. How? Swap in plant-based ingredients that still bring body, flavor, and that all-important creamy texture.
How to Make Pasta Creamy Without Dairy
Here’s how to adapt our basic white sauce recipe for a dairy-free diet:
- Butter substitute: Use olive oil or plant-based butter.
- Milk substitute: Use unsweetened oat milk or soy milk for the best creamy consistency.
- Cheese substitute: Stir in nutritional yeast for that savory, cheesy flavor. No actual cheese required!
Storing White Sauce
Made too much? White sauce keeps well and is easy to reheat. In the fridge, it keeps for up to five days. Let it cool, seal it in an airtight container, and reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.
For longer storage, freeze it in containers or ice cube trays for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently over the stovetop while whisking to restore its smooth, creamy texture.
More Easy, Creamy Pasta Sauce Recipes
Easy Cheese Sauce Recipe
Start by making a classic white sauce, then stir in a generous handful of shredded cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This one’s a favorite for mac and cheese, loaded nachos, or as a dip for soft pretzels.
Make-Ahead Tip: Try our freezer-friendly cheese sauce recipe to save time on busy weeknights or game day prep.
Homemade Alfredo Sauce
To turn your white sauce into Alfredo, start by gently sautéing minced garlic in butter before adding the flour, to make your roux. Then whisk in milk and simmer until thickened. Finish with freshly grated Parmesan, stirring until it melts into a rich, velvety sauce. This simple alfredo sauce recipe is a restaurant-style favorite that’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
Vodka Sauce
For a tomato-based twist on creamy pasta, try this easy homemade vodka sauce. It’s rich, tangy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
How to Make Vodka Sauce:
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté ½ chopped onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Deglaze with vodka: Add ¼ cup vodka and simmer 1-2 minutes until the alcohol cooks off.
- Add tomatoes: Stir in ½ cup tomato paste or 1 cup crushed tomatoes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Finish with cream: Lower heat and stir in ½ cup milk, cream, or a mix of both. Simmer until silky and smooth.
- Optional: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat or grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Serving Tip: Serve with penne, linguine, or tortellini and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Comforting Creamy Pasta Recipes
Nothing hits the spot like a cozy bowl of creamy pasta. Made with everyday ingredients and a few frozen or refrigerated shortcuts, these recipes are easy and full of flavor.
Mini Cheese Ravioli with Bacon, Onion and Alfredo
Rosina® Mini Cheese Ravioli meets bacon, onions, and Alfredo for a quick, cozy meal.
Weeknight Easy Linguine Alfredo
This quick linguine Alfredo features sweet frozen peas and creamy Lactaid® Whole Milk for a dairy-free twist.
Penne with Creamy, White Vodka Sauce
Creamy vodka sauce and Frigo® Cheese make this penne pasta rich and savory.
Greek Pasta Salad
This fresh and tangy pasta salad gets a creamy boost from Hood® Cottage Cheese.
One-Pot Creamy Broccoli Pasta
This bacon and pea pasta recipe comes together in one pot with a creamy sauce and Birds Eye Steamfresh® Broccoli Florets.
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