Learning how to make a perfectly seasoned white pasta sauce is a serious skill. You can add it to numerous dishes, think salads, roasted vegetables–basically anything that needs a little bit of elevating. This classic recipe is traditionally made using milk, butter and flour and is a staple in French cuisine. It was introduced in France in 1533 by the chefs of Queen Catherine (de' Medici) and was known for its thick, glue-like consistency.
As a recipe, it is as easy as it gets thanks to the buttery, creamy taste that it lends to dishes. Season it with just salt and pepper or add a touch of spice with chilli flakes.
Ingredients needed to prepare white sauce pasta
2 cups milk
2 tbsp maida
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dry chilli flakes
A pinch of salt
1/4th cup grated cheese (optional)
Step-by-step process to prepare tasty white sauce pasta
1. Heat the butter in a pan over low heat.
2. Add the maida to this and mix well.
3. Add milk a little at a time and whisk it till all the lumps dissolve.
4. When combined and smooth, let the sauce sit on the heat and thicken.
5. Add the cheese and herbs and mix well.
6. Adjust the salt, chilli flakes and pepper as per your taste.
7. Allow the sauce to cook on a medium flame for a minute to two and then add boiled pasta or pour over other dishes.
Tips to prepare vegetable white sauce pasta
1. Heat the butter in a pan over low heat.
2. Sauté garlic for two minutes until fragrant. If you’re planning to include veggies to your pasta, add them after now and cook them for a minute or two after adding garlic. You can experiment with a number of options including red and yellow peppers, zucchini, blanched broccoli, green capsicum, baby corn, sweet corn and more.
3. In a bowl, mix the milk, plain flour and salt and whisk till all the lumps dissolve.
4. Add the mix to the pan and continue whisking to make sure everything mixes well.
5. Add the cheese and mix well.
6. Adjust the salt, chilli flakes and pepper as per your taste.
7. Allow the sauce to cook on a medium flame for a minute to two and then add boiled paste or pour over other dishes.
Conclusion
This sauce is perfect for beginners and is definitely one you can experiment with. Feel free to add or remove ingredients from our list but remember to keep the basics–flour, milk and butter.
FAQs
What seasonings can I add to white pasta sauce?
It is like a buttery blank canvas so you can play with a variety of options like grated cheese, white wine, chopped onions, jalapenos and more!
How can I make white paste sauce creamy?
For the ultimate creamy, melty flavour, use full-cream milk instead of toned or skimmed milk.
Why is the white pasta sauce that I am preparing curdling?
Skim milk will curdle much more easily than other, fattier dairy products so try opting for full-cream options.
Can I skip using maida in white pasta sauce?
You can opt for cornstarch or arrowroot instead of maida. It won't taste the same but is a healthier alternative. For every one cup of milk in the recipe, mix 1 tbsp. Side note, don’t forget to mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
What can I do if my white pasta sauce is too runny?
You can thicken it using a little more maida or add breadcrumbs. Let it sit on the heat for longer or puree some starchy vegetables like potatoes and add those to the sauce.