Indian Style White Sauce Spaghetti Pasta
Indian Style White Sauce Spaghetti Pasta is a easy Indian recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Kunal Kapur on YouTube.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 26 min | Total: 36 min
Cost: $4.03 total, $2.01 per serving
Ingredients
- 200 g Spaghetti (any dry pasta; break if needed to fit pot)
- 2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 2 cup Whole Milk (for creamy sauce)
- 1 tsp Salt (plus extra for pasta water)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Italian Herbs (dried mix (oregano, basil, thyme))
- 1 cup Grated Cheese (cheddar or mozzarella, freshly grated)
Instructions
Gather and Prep Ingredients
Measure all ingredients, mince the garlic, and have the cheese grated and ready.
Time: PT5M
Boil Water for Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Time: PT5M
Cook Pasta Al Dente
Add the spaghetti to the boiling water. Stir occasionally and cook according to package instructions until just firm to the bite (al dente).
Time: PT10M
Reserve Pasta Water
Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water and set aside.
Time: PT1M
Melt Butter
In a saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over low flame until fully liquid.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Garlic Lightly
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
Time: PT1M
Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the butter‑garlic mixture and stir continuously for 30 seconds until the flour is fully incorporated but still pale.
Time: PT30S
Add Milk and Thicken
Gradually pour the milk into the roux while whisking constantly. Keep the flame low and continue whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT3M
Season the Sauce
Stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Time: PT1M
Melt the Cheese
Reduce heat to very low and add the grated cheese, stirring gently until just melted. Do not cook longer than a minute to avoid oil separation.
Time: PT1M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to the sauce. Toss gently with tongs, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick, until the pasta is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Serve
Serve the creamy cheese pasta hot, optionally garnished with a pinch of extra herbs or grated cheese.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 25g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten
Allergens: Milk, Wheat, Cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spaghetti: penne, fusilli
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: ghee, vegetable oil (will change flavor)
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: cornstarch (1 Tbsp)
- Instead of Whole Milk: heavy cream (1 cup), unsweetened soy milk
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Italian Herbs: dried oregano, dried basil
- Instead of Grated Cheese: paneer (Indian cheese), parmesan
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Saucepan or Skillet
- Colander
- Wooden Spoon
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Do not brown the garlic; keep it pale and fragrant.
- Cook the flour just enough to stay white; over‑cooking turns the sauce brown.
- Boil pasta al dente; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce and add silkiness.
- Add cheese at the very end and melt briefly to prevent oil separation.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely.
- Grate cheese fresh rather than using pre‑shredded; it melts smoother.
- Reserve at least ½ cup of pasta water before draining; the starch helps bind the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Add a little reserved pasta water or extra milk, whisking until the desired consistency is reached.
Sauce has lumps.
Whisk continuously while adding milk; if lumps persist, blend with an immersion blender.
Pasta becomes mushy.
Cook pasta al dente and avoid over‑cooking in the sauce; remove from heat as soon as it reaches the desired bite.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of milk or water.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with a little milk.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the white sauce up to step 9, let it cool, and refrigerate. Reheat with a splash of milk before adding cheese.
- Cook pasta al dente, toss with a drizzle of oil, and store in the fridge; combine with sauce when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cheese creamy pasta in Indian cuisine?
Cheese creamy pasta, often called "pasta in white sauce," reflects the Indian love for adapting global dishes with local flavors. It became popular in urban India as a quick, comforting snack that blends Italian technique with Indian spices like garlic and herbs.
What are the traditional regional variations of white sauce pasta in Indian cuisine?
In North India, the sauce may include a pinch of garam masala or paneer, while in South India chefs often add curry leaves or use coconut milk. Some regions also incorporate green chilies for extra heat.
How is cheese creamy pasta traditionally served in Indian households?
It is usually served hot as a main course or a hearty snack, often garnished with fresh herbs, a drizzle of butter, and sometimes a side of crisp salad or pickles to balance the richness.
On what occasions is cheese creamy pasta commonly prepared in Indian culture?
The dish is popular for weekend family meals, birthday parties, and as a quick dinner after school or work. Its simplicity makes it a go‑to comfort food for both children and adults.
What authentic ingredients are essential for Indian‑style white sauce pasta versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include butter, garlic, all‑purpose flour, whole milk, and a mild cheese like cheddar or mozzarella. Substitutes can be ghee for butter, plant‑based milk for dairy, or paneer for cheese, though the texture will change slightly.
What other Indian dishes pair well with cheese creamy pasta?
It pairs nicely with a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad, tangy raita, or a simple sautéed vegetable side like garlic‑spinach. A crisp lemon‑lime soda or buttermilk lassi balances the richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cheese creamy pasta?
Common errors include browning the garlic, over‑cooking the flour (which darkens the sauce), boiling the pasta too long, and adding cheese for too long, which causes the oil to separate.
Why does this cheese creamy pasta recipe use a low flame for the butter and roux instead of high heat?
Low heat ensures the butter melts gently and the flour cooks just enough to lose its raw taste without turning brown, preserving the classic white‑sauce appearance and delicate flavor.
Can I make cheese creamy pasta ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the white sauce up to the seasoning stage and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently, add a splash of milk, then melt the cheese before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the white sauce is ready?
The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without clumping. It must remain pale white; any brown specks indicate over‑cooking the roux.
How do I know when the cheese creamy pasta is done cooking?
The pasta should be al dente—firm with a slight bite—and fully coated in a silky sauce that clings to each strand. A quick taste will confirm the pasta is not mushy and the sauce is creamy.
What does the YouTube channel Kunal Kapur specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kunal Kapur focuses on Indian fusion cooking, showcasing how classic Indian flavors can be blended with international cuisines, along with detailed technique tutorials and kitchen tips.
How does the YouTube channel Kunal Kapur's approach to Indian‑Italian cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Kunal Kapur emphasizes the balance between authentic Indian spices and traditional Italian techniques, often adding a subtle Indian twist while maintaining the integrity of the original dish, unlike many channels that simply replicate the foreign recipe.
What other Indian‑Italian recipes is the YouTube channel Kunal Kapur known for?
Kunal Kapur is also known for recipes like Desi Chicken Alfredo, Masala Pizza, and Paneer Tikka Lasagna, which blend Indian flavors with classic Italian dishes.
Last updated: August 22, 2026
