Quick Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

This creamy garlicky kitchen sauce comes together so quickly that I keep it in regular rotation for easy weeknight meals from pasta dinners to veggie skillets and even pizza night. With just a handful of staples and fresh aromatics you get a rich and velvety sauce that wears many hats in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps sauté the garlic aim for high quality butter for depth
• Fresh garlic cloves: the key to that classic flavor look for firm unblemished cloves
• Italian seasoning: brings herby notes try to use a fresh or high quality blend
• All purpose flour: thickens the sauce choose unbleached if you can
• Vegetable broth: adds savory backbone use a flavorful brand or homemade
• Heavy cream: brings luscious texture and body
• Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese: gives cheesy umami and smooth melt always buy a block and grate it yourself for the best results
• Fresh parsley: brightens the sauce choose deep green leaves
• Kosher salt: pulls flavors together and seasons the sauce
• Fresh cracked black pepper: adds just the right bite use freshly ground if possible

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt the Butter:

Place a large sauté pan on medium low heat and add the butter stirring as it melts for full coverage of the pan

Build the Aromatic Base:

Add minced garlic Italian seasoning salt and pepper to the butter Keep the heat gentle Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic smells fragrant but make sure it does not brown

Incorporate the Flour:

Sprinkle the flour in whisking immediately and thoroughly Keep whisking for one more minute until you have a smooth golden paste This helps remove any raw flour taste

Add Broth Gradually:

Pour in the vegetable broth in a slow and steady stream whisking non stop to avoid lumps The mixture will loosen and then come together whisk until fully combined

Thicken the Sauce:

Let it simmer gently for about two minutes until the sauce starts to thicken Stir often and keep the heat moderate so nothing scorches

Bring on the Cream and Cheese:

Gently pour in heavy cream then add in freshly grated Parmesan and parsley Whisk briskly as the cheese melts into the sauce Keep stirring until the sauce looks silky and glossy

Finish and Season:

Reduce the heat to low Continue stirring until you reach your preferred thickness Taste the sauce and add extra salt and pepper to bring out the flavors

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Storage Tips

Let the sauce cool before transferring to a container with a tight fitting lid Refrigerate for up to four days For longer storage freeze in small portions and thaw in the fridge overnight then reheat gently stirring to bring back the creamy texture If the sauce thickens too much after chilling add a splash of broth or cream when reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can replace heavy cream with half and half or even a plant based cream but know it will change the richness For a stronger cheese flavor add a bit of Pecorino Romano or for a milder taste use a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella Gluten free all purpose flour works as a direct swap for regular flour

Serving Suggestions

Try tossing this sauce with pasta or gnocchi Spread it over homemade pizza crust before adding toppings Pour it over roasted broccoli cauliflower or potatoes Or use it as a creamy base for a baked vegetable casserole I even love dipping warm focaccia right into the pan

A Bit of Kitchen Lore

Creamy sauces like this bring classic Italian American comfort to the table Think of this as your blank canvas for adding cooked mushrooms chicken sun dried tomatoes or spinach It is inspired by Alfredo but with extra garlic and a light herby edge that makes it modern and versatile

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent lumps while making the sauce?

Whisk the flour thoroughly into the melted butter, then slowly pour in broth while whisking constantly. This helps ensure a silky-smooth consistency.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce may be less rich but still delicious.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftover sauce?

Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the texture.

→ Which pasta shapes work best with this sauce?

Short shapes like penne or fusilli are great for holding onto the creamy sauce, but it pairs well with any favorite pasta.

→ Is it possible to make this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

→ Can this sauce be made in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it up to two days ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.