White Sauce Pasta is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that's loved by both kids and adults. Loaded with colorful vegetables like capsicum, broccoli, and sweet corn, this pasta is tossed in a rich white sauce that brings everything together beautifully. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or even as a party treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli)
- ½ cup sweet corn, boiled
- 1 cup mixed bell peppers (yellow, green, red – sliced vertically)
- ½ cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup white sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ¼ teaspoon red chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
- Water – to boil pasta
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil (for boiling pasta)
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing veggies)
- Salt – as per taste
Instructions:
- Boil the Pasta: In a large vessel, heat water with 1 teaspoon oil and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the pasta and boil until soft but firm (al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Add the sliced capsicums and chopped broccoli. Stir-fry on high flame for 4–5 minutes.
- Add Corn & Spices: Add boiled sweet corn, red chili powder, and black pepper powder. Stir well to combine.
- Mix with Pasta & Sauce: Reduce the heat. Add the boiled pasta, white sauce, and salt. Mix gently and cook for 2–3 minutes until everything is well coated.
- Serve Hot: Turn off the flame. Garnish with chili flakes or herbs and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information (General):
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 10%
- Iron: 8%
Cooking Tips & Variations:
- Cheesy Boost: Add grated mozzarella or parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish.
- Spicy Touch: Use chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Veggie Swap: You can add mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini as alternatives.
- White Sauce Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or garlic powder to enhance flavor.
Common Mistakes & Fixes:
- Mistake: Pasta turns mushy
Fix: Cook pasta until al dente (firm to bite), and rinse with cold water to stop further cooking. - Mistake: White sauce becomes lumpy
Fix: Stir constantly while making the white sauce and use cold milk to avoid lumps. - Mistake: Veggies turn soggy
Fix: Sauté on high flame to retain crunch and color.
Chef’s Tips & Tricks:
- For a restaurant-style texture, toss the pasta in the sauce just before serving.
- Make the white sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added aroma.
Brand Suggestions:
- Pasta: De Cecco or Napolina (Tesco, Sainsbury’s)
- Sweet Corn: Green Giant or Tesco Sweetcorn
- White Sauce: Dolmio or Tesco White Pasta Sauce
- Bell Peppers & Broccoli: Fresh from Tesco, Asda, or Morrisons
- Olive Oil: Filippo Berio or Tesco Olive Oil
- Spices: Schwartz or TRS
Equipment & Tools:
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Non-stick frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Knife & chopping board
Pairing Suggestions:
- Serve with garlic bread or cheesy toast.
- Pairs well with a light green salad.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of lemon iced tea or orange juice.
Allergen Information:
- Dairy: Contains milk (in white sauce). Use vegan white sauce for dairy-free version.
- Gluten: Contains gluten from pasta – use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Corn: Contains corn – avoid if allergic.
Recipe Instructions Step by Step:
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Boil 2 cups of pasta in salted water with 1 tsp oil. Once soft, drain and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan. Add 1 cup of vertically sliced capsicum and ½ cup chopped broccoli. Sauté on high flame for 4–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Corn and Spices
Add ½ cup of boiled sweet corn, ¼ tsp red chili powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Mix Pasta and Sauce
Lower the flame. Add the cooked pasta, 1 cup of white sauce, and salt to taste. Toss everything gently until well combined.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Turn off the heat. Garnish with herbs or seasoning of your choice and serve hot.