Description
If you’re craving bold flavor in a flash, this 15 Minute Garlic Parmesan Sauce is your new go-to. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with the sharp nuttiness of fresh Parmesan and the deep savoriness of sautéed garlic. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, easy dinner upgrades, healthy snack dips, or all-purpose food ideas, this sauce checks every box. It’s an easy recipe for pasta, grilled meats, veggies, or even breadsticks. Velvety smooth and ready in no time, this sauce belongs in your weeknight arsenal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves finely minced or pressed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk (warm)
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Stir continuously.
3. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Add the heavy cream.
5. Simmer the mixture on medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
6. Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until fully melted.
7. Add salt, black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest texture—pre-shredded cheese may stay grainy.
Warm your milk before adding to avoid curdling or a lumpy sauce.
Don’t skip the roux step—it thickens the sauce and builds flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg