Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a rich, velvety blend of fresh garlic, butter, heavy cream, and real Parmigiano-Reggiano. Inspired by rustic Italian kitchens and perfect for modern meals, it’s a versatile sauce you can drizzle over pasta, toss with wings, or use as a white pizza base. Ready in under 15 minutes, this easy homemade sauce adds gourmet flavor to any dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional: fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and stir to form a smooth paste. Cook for another minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the Cream: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, ensuring the mixture remains lump-free. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Incorporate the Parmesan: Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan until fully melted and smooth.
- Season & Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Fresh garlic is key – skip the pre-minced jar for deeper flavor.
- Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano – pre-shredded cheese contains additives that affect melting.
- Low & slow – avoid high heat to prevent curdling or grainy texture.
- Storage – Keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- Freezing – Not ideal due to the dairy, but possible for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Customizations – Add roasted garlic for depth, a touch of cayenne for heat, or swap in dairy-free alternatives for a vegan version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅓ cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg