Hey y’all! If you’ve ever dreamed of a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with savory garlic and nutty parmesan, you’re about to fall in love. This Easy Garlic Parmesan Sauce delivers restaurant-style flavor in minutes — perfect for pasta nights, pizzas, dipping, or even drizzling over veggies. Simple, luscious, and guaranteed to wow your taste buds, it’s a must-have recipe for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in just 15 minutes – ideal for busy weeknights!
- Versatile enough for pasta, meats, veggies, and more.
- Uses simple, readily available ingredients from your pantry.
- Irresistibly creamy texture and bold garlic-parmesan flavor.
- Perfect for dipping, drizzling, or tossing!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: 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 but not browned.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a smooth, golden paste.
Step 3: Add Milk and Whisk
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Seasonings
Stir in the grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to stir for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from heat and use immediately over your favorite dishes, or store as needed.
Notes
- For the smoothest texture, use freshly grated Parmesan (not pre-shredded).
- Stir continuously to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
- Adjust thickness by adding more milk to thin or simmering longer to thicken.
Variations
- Herbed Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Add chopped fresh basil or parsley for extra flavor and color.
- Spicy Version: Stir in extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Swap milk for unsweetened oat milk and use vegan parmesan.
Required Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microplane or cheese grater
Storage Instructions & Shelf Life
Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring often. If too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen the consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as texture can suffer.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Toss with fettuccine or penne pasta for a quick, decadent meal.
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or baked salmon.
- Use as a dipping sauce for garlic bread, french fries, or crunchy veggies.
- Spread on pizza dough in place of red sauce for a flavorful white pizza base.
Pro Tips
- Finely mince your garlic for the best flavor distribution in every bite.
- Don’t let the garlic brown — it can become bitter if overcooked.
- Let the sauce set for 1-2 minutes off the heat to thicken before serving, especially for dipping!
FAQ
Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?
It’s best to use freshly grated parmesan for a smoother, richer sauce, but pre-grated can work in a pinch.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently, whisking in a splash of milk if needed.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
As written, it contains flour for thickening. Use your favorite gluten-free flour to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.
Nutrition (per 1/4 cup):
- Calories: ~150
- Fat: 11g
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 6g
Prep & Total Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
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2Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.
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3Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine.
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4Add the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
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5Remove from heat. Stir in fresh parsley if desired and serve warm over pasta, chicken, or as a dip.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
260cal
Protein:
8 gg
Fat:
24 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
3 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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