Name: Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Salt to taste; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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A rich and creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce that instantly upgrades wings, pasta, sandwiches, or even simple roasted veggies. I love how the bold garlic flavor pairs perfectly with the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese. It’s one of those versatile sauces I always keep in mind when I want to add a gourmet touch to everyday meals.

Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Then I sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until it's fragrant but not browned.

I whisk in the flour and cook it for 1 minute to create a roux.

Slowly, I pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps.

I stir in the heavy cream and bring everything to a simmer.

Then I add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt, stirring for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

I take it off the heat and mix in the fresh parsley if I'm using it.

I either use it right away or store it in the fridge once it cools.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Total time: 15 minutes

Each serving contains approximately 165 kcal.

Variations

Spicy twist: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

Lighter version: I swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter consistency.

Cheesy boost: I mix in a bit of mozzarella or Asiago for a more complex cheesy flavor.

Herb blend: Adding Italian seasoning or thyme gives it more depth and a herbal aroma.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, I add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it. I avoid microwaving if possible, as it can break the sauce texture.

FAQs

How can I make this sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken it, I simmer it a bit longer or add a little more flour when starting the roux. To thin it out, I mix in extra broth or cream until it reaches the consistency I want.

Can I use pre-minced garlic or garlic paste?

Yes, I’ve used pre-minced garlic or garlic paste in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the quantity since the flavor can be more concentrated or mellow depending on the brand.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

As written, it’s not gluten-free because of the all-purpose flour. I switch it with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch if needed.

Can I freeze Garlic Parmesan Sauce?

I don’t recommend freezing it, since cream-based sauces can separate and get grainy when thawed. It’s best fresh or stored short-term in the fridge.

What can I serve this sauce with?

I love pouring it over pasta, using it as a dip for wings, drizzling it on sandwiches or burgers, or even using it as a pizza base for a white sauce pizza.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Sauce has become one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something rich, flavorful, and easy to whip up. It brings bold garlic and cheesy goodness to anything I pair it with, and I know I’ll always come back to it for both quick dinners and impressive dishes.

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Garlic Parmesan Sauce

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich, creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce that's perfect for pasta, wings, sandwiches, or veggies. Made with simple ingredients in under 20 minutes, it's a versatile sauce packed with bold garlic flavor and nutty Parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
Add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley if using.
Use immediately or cool and refrigerate in an airtight container.