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Quick Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce: Your Weeknight Dinner Hero

Close-up of fettuccine pasta generously coated in a rich, white cream sauce and topped with grated cheese.

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Learn how to make a rich, velvety Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce in under 15 minutes. This versatile, easy cream sauce recipe is perfect for upgrading pasta, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables instantly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste (roux). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This creates your smooth cream sauce base.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is silky.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, chicken, or vegetables for a gourmet dinner upgrade sauce.

Notes

  • For an extra rich velvety sauce, use only heavy cream and skip the broth.
  • To make this a Garlic Alfredo Sauce, increase the Parmesan cheese slightly.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe is a fantastic base for many sauces and gravies for weeknights.

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