🧄🧀 Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Rich • Silky • Flavor-Packed • Versatile
This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is smooth, luxurious, and loaded with bold garlic flavor and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It instantly elevates pasta, chicken, seafood, and roasted vegetables.
Silky, cheesy, and perfectly balanced, this sauce comes together quickly with simple ingredients and delivers restaurant-quality flavor every time.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: About 1½ cups
📝 Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Optional Additions
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese (for extra thickness)
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Garlic
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown.
2️⃣ Create the Base
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux. This helps thicken the sauce.
3️⃣ Add the Cream
Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Add the Parmesan
Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder. Continue stirring until desired thickness is reached.
5️⃣ Adjust & Serve
If sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of warm milk or pasta water. Serve immediately.
Flavor & Texture
- Smooth and velvety consistency
- Bold garlic aroma
- Rich, nutty Parmesan flavor
- Creamy without being overly heavy
- Balanced savory depth
Ways to Use This Sauce
- Toss with fettuccine or penne
- Pour over grilled chicken
- Spoon onto baked salmon
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables
- Use as pizza white sauce
- Serve as dipping sauce for breadsticks
Pro Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoothest texture.
- Keep heat low after adding cheese.
- Stir constantly while thickening.
- Add cheese gradually for best results.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 4 days in airtight container.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding milk or cream if needed.
- Freezing not recommended (may separate).
Final Note
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a versatile kitchen staple that transforms simple meals into something special. Elegant, easy, and full of flavor — it’s a sauce you’ll reach for again and again.
