Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan sauce is a rich and creamy blend that elevates any dish it accompanies. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, vegetables, or chicken, this sauce combines the savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan in a smooth, buttery base.

A small clear glass jar filled with creamy white ranch dressing that has visible green and black herb specks throughout, sitting on a soft beige knitted cloth with black stripes. To the left, there is a white plate with golden brown baked wings that have black pepper on them. Behind the jar, a small white flower-shaped bowl is filled with finely shredded pale yellow cheese. In the background, there are three white tall containers. On the right side, part of a white stack of plates with two forks is visible, and two whole garlic bulbs with white outer skins are beside them. The scene rests on a clean white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the butter and garlic.
  4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low.
  6. Step 6: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly into the sauce.
  7. Step 7: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste.
  8. Step 8: Continue stirring until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
  9. Step 9: Add the chopped parsley, stirring until evenly distributed.
  10. Step 10: Remove the saucepan from the heat when the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  11. Step 11: Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if desired.
  12. Step 12: Serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, or your favorite dish.

Tips & Variations

  • For a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer or add more Parmesan cheese gradually.
  • Use fresh parsley for a brighter flavor, or substitute with basil for a different herb note.
  • To make it lighter, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth texture. If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little milk or cream to loosen it.

How to Serve

A black pan filled with creamy, light beige sauce speckled with green herbs, with a wooden spoon partially covered in the sauce resting inside the pan. Around the pan, there are whole garlic bulbs and cloves on a white striped cloth, a small bowl of grated cheese, and a glass container holding golden French fries, all set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Replace Parmesan with a nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Is this sauce suitable for freezing?

Freezing is not recommended as the cream and cheese may separate on thawing, affecting texture and flavor. It’s best to prepare fresh or refrigerate leftovers.

Print

Garlic Parmesan Sauce Recipe

A rich and creamy homemade Garlic Parmesan Sauce combining butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese with the bold flavor of garlic. Perfect for drizzling over pasta, vegetables, or your favorite dishes for an indulgent touch.

  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 1/4 cups (serves 4) 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Melting Butter: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base of the sauce.
  2. Sautéing Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic to avoid bitterness.
  3. Adding Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine it thoroughly with the butter and garlic mixture.
  4. Simmering Mixture: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
  5. Reducing Heat: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low to prepare for adding cheese without curdling the cream.
  6. Incorporating Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts smoothly to create a creamy texture.
  7. Seasoning Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, adjusting seasoning to taste for balanced flavor.
  8. Thickening Sauce: Continue stirring until the sauce reaches a creamy, smooth consistency.
  9. Adding Parsley: Stir in the chopped parsley evenly throughout the sauce to add freshness and color.
  10. Removing from Heat: Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sauce is fully combined and silky smooth.
  11. Tasting and Adjusting: Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed to suit your preference.
  12. Serving: Serve the garlic Parmesan sauce immediately over pasta, steamed vegetables, or any dish that complements a creamy, garlicky sauce.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it further while stirring continuously.
  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
  • Do not let the garlic burn during the sautéing step to maintain a smooth garlic flavor.
  • This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore creaminess.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: Garlic Parmesan sauce, creamy sauce, butter sauce, pasta sauce, Italian sauce, homemade sauce

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