This Creamy Garlic Sauce is rich, smooth, and packed with bold garlic flavor. Perfect as a dipping sauce, pasta topping, or drizzle over grilled meats and vegetables, this versatile sauce is made with simple ingredients and comes together in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re adding it to chicken, steak, or veggies, it’s the ultimate way to elevate any dish with creamy, savory goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and packed with garlic flavor
- Quick and easy—ready in just 15 minutes
- Versatile—pairs well with pasta, chicken, seafood, and vegetables
- Customizable with herbs, cheese, or spice
- Stores well for meal prep or leftovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or more if you love garlic!)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Sauté the garlic: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
- Make the roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
- Add seasoning and cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately over pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Garlic Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Garlic Sauce: Stir in extra Parmesan or shredded mozzarella for a richer, cheesier sauce.
- Herbed Garlic Sauce: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for an herbal twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to thin the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, whole milk or half-and-half can be used for a lighter version, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk continuously while adding the broth and cream to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Can I make this sauce without flour?
Yes, you can use cornstarch mixed with water (1 tablespoon of cornstarch to 2 tablespoons of water) as a gluten-free thickener.
How strong is the garlic flavor?
The garlic flavor is bold but not overpowering. Adjust the number of cloves to suit your taste.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently before serving.
What dishes pair best with creamy garlic sauce?
Pasta, grilled chicken, shrimp, steak, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes all pair beautifully with this sauce.
Can I use roasted garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, roasted garlic adds a milder, sweeter flavor and works wonderfully in this sauce.
How do I thin out a thick sauce?
Add a splash of broth, milk, or water and stir until you reach your desired consistency.
Is this sauce keto-friendly?
Yes, just swap the flour with almond flour or xanthan gum for thickening.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of liquid to restore creaminess.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect way to add rich, savory flavor to your favorite dishes. Whether served over pasta, chicken, or vegetables, its velvety texture and bold garlic taste are sure to make any meal feel extra special. Quick, easy, and versatile, it’s a must-have recipe for any home cook!
Print
Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Creamy Garlic Sauce is rich, velvety, and bursting with bold garlic flavor. It’s perfect for drizzling over chicken, pasta, steak, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Made with simple ingredients like garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan, it’s a versatile sauce you’ll want to put on everything!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (or more if you love extra garlic!)
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
1. Sauté the garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant (be careful not to let it brown).
2. Add the cream:
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir continuously.
- Let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
3. Add cheese and seasonings:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
4. Finish and serve:
- Add lemon juice for a little brightness (optional).
- Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley or basil if using.
- Serve immediately over pasta, chicken, steak, or as a dip for breadsticks!
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add 1 tablespoon of flour before adding the cream.
- Swap out Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a stronger, saltier flavor.
- Use dairy-free cream and vegan butter for a plant-based version.