Imagine a sauce so rich, so creamy, and so full of garlicky, cheesy goodness that it instantly makes any meal feel gourmet. This Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce is your secret weapon—ready in just 15 minutes using pantry staples and a single pan.
Why You’ll Love It
This sauce is your fast track to restaurant-level flavor without the fuss. It’s:
- Creamy and comforting
- Packed with bold garlic and nutty parmesan
- Perfect for pasta, potatoes, chicken, veggies, or pizza
- Ready in under 15 minutes
- Easy to double and meal-prep-friendly
Whether you’re dressing up a weeknight dinner or impressing last-minute guests, this sauce does all the heavy lifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 8 oz freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce
1. Sauté Aromatics
In a large sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Flour
Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste. Let it cook for another minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
3. Add the Broth
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan, and parsley. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is velvety and smooth.
5. Adjust Seasoning and Serve
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm over your favorite dishes.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh garlic and cheese for the boldest flavor.
- Whisk constantly while adding broth to avoid clumps.
- Let it simmer gently; boiling can cause the cream to separate.
- Want it thicker? Let it simmer longer. Too thick? Add a splash of broth or milk.
Ways to Use This Sauce
- Toss with pasta for instant Alfredo vibes
- Drizzle over roasted potatoes or steamed veggies
- Spoon over baked chicken or grilled salmon
- Use as a white pizza sauce
- Dip crusty bread or breadsticks in it
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
- Do not freeze—cream sauces tend to separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 5 days in advance and store in the fridge.
Can I use different cheese?
Parmesan is ideal, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago also work well.
Is this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, when made with vegetable broth and vegetarian-friendly Parmesan.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, use ½ to 1 teaspoon if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
Silky, savory, and ready in 15 minutes—perfect for elevating everyday meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2.5 to 3 cups (about 8 servings)
- Category: Sauce
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian