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Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 36 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy garlic sauce is a rich and velvety accompaniment perfect for pasta, chicken, or vegetables. Made with butter, fresh garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a simple yet flavorful sauce that brings a luxurious touch to any dish. The addition of fresh parsley adds a pleasant herbaceous note, making it a versatile and delicious option for weeknight dinners or special occasions.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)


Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until fully melted and slightly bubbling.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
  3. Make Roux: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
  4. Add Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken gradually.
  5. Add Cheese and Season: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and ground black pepper. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and thickened.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and fold in the chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta, chicken, or vegetables for a creamy, flavorful finish.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook the garlic as it can become bitter if browned.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of milk or additional cream.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and butter with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • This sauce is best served immediately but can be gently reheated on low heat with a splash of cream to restore its consistency.