Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, chicken wings, pizza, or as a dip. Made with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of cream, this versatile sauce is easy to make and loaded with irresistible flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: A luscious texture that pairs well with a variety of dishes.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a robust, savory taste.
- Easy to Make: Ready in just minutes with simple ingredients.
- Versatile: Use it as a sauce, dip, or spread for endless culinary possibilities.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- All-purpose flour
- Heavy cream
- Milk
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make a Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Cream and Milk: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and milk, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Use immediately or keep warm on low heat. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 1 ½ cups of sauce (serves 4-6)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.
- Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh or dried Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Asiago for a richer flavor.
- Lightened Up: Use half-and-half or a mix of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended as the cream and cheese may separate.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency if it thickens too much.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan is best for melting smoothly, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
2. Can I make this sauce without flour?
Yes, omit the flour and rely on the cream and Parmesan to thicken the sauce.
3. Can I use a dairy-free alternative?
Substitute butter, cream, and milk with plant-based options like vegan butter, almond milk, and coconut cream. Use dairy-free Parmesan for a vegan version.
4. Can I freeze the sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
5. How can I thin the sauce if it’s too thick?
Add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
6. Can I use this sauce for pizza?
Yes! It makes an excellent base for white pizza. Spread it over the crust before adding toppings.
7. What pasta works best with this sauce?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti are great options, but any pasta works well.
8. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk continuously when adding the milk and cream to the roux, ensuring smooth incorporation.
9. Can I add protein to this sauce?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage pair beautifully with this sauce.
10. How can I enhance the garlic flavor?
Roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a rich and versatile addition to your recipe collection. Whether tossed with pasta, drizzled over vegetables, or used as a dip, this creamy sauce is sure to elevate any dish. Try it today for an easy and flavorful homemade delight!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is rich, savory, and perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over chicken, or serving as a dip. Made with fresh garlic and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy-to-make sauce that adds a touch of indulgence to any dish.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Make the Roux:
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce.
- Add the Milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3–5 minutes).
- Incorporate the Parmesan:
- Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce:
- Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve:
- Use immediately over pasta, chicken, vegetables, or as a dip. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, add more milk; for a thicker sauce, simmer longer or use heavy cream.
- Substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.