Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a rich and flavorful addition to any pasta, vegetable, or meat dish. Made with melted butter, heavy cream, fresh garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese, it delivers a velvety texture and indulgent taste that’s balanced by a hint of garlic powder and freshly chopped parsley. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a perfect sauce for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Melt Butter: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat to create the base of your sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic to maintain a smooth flavor.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to fully combine it with the butter and garlic.
- Simmer Mixture: Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
- Reduce Heat: Once simmering, reduce the heat to low to gently cook the sauce.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, making sure it melts evenly to give a creamy texture.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust these seasonings to taste for optimal flavor balance.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, ensuring it is smooth with no lumps.
- Add Parsley: Mix in the chopped parsley to add a fresh, herbaceous note throughout the sauce.
- Finish Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat once the sauce is well-combined and smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed to suit your preference.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the sauce warm over your favorite pasta, steamed vegetables, grilled chicken, or any dish that benefits from a rich garlic Parmesan flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and smooth melting.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference for a milder or stronger garlic flavor.
- This sauce is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop while stirring.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, whisk in a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
