Swirling with passion and brilliance, just like the frosting on a homemade cake, are the women who inspire me daily. Their creativity, grit, and determination have sparked a fire in me that keeps my oven mitts ablaze (in the best way possible). Take Georgia O’Keeffe, for instance—I mean, have you seen those floral masterpieces up close? There’s something mesmerizing about the colors and depths. I’ve always been a sucker for a beautifully crafted piece of art.
Then there’s Marie Curie, who made monumental strides in her field, working her magic not just once, but twice! This woman bagged two—count ’em, two—Nobel Prizes. I don’t know about you, but making dinner for wild kiddos while dicing onions seems significantly less daunting when I think of her achievements. Now, I don’t claim to be curing any diseases or creating great works of art, but here in my humble kitchen, I’m going to share a little secret sauce to bring a hint of magic to your cooking: Creamy Garlic Sauce. Strap on your apron and embrace the brilliance of these remarkable women while enjoying this delightful sauce with whatever dish has captured your fancy today.
Ingredients
- Butter – 4 tablespoons of creamy, dreamy, buttery ingredient that makes everything taste oh-so-good!
- Garlic – 4 cloves of king of all spices that add a delicious and fragrant aroma to the sauce.
- Flour – A must-have ingredient in any white sauce recipe, helps thicken the sauce and give it a smooth texture.
- Half and half – The milk and cream of the crop, gives the sauce a creamy and rich texture.
- Parmesan cheese – The MVP of the recipe, adds a salty and nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley – A touch of freshness to cut through all the rich and creamy ingredients, adds a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor.
Instructions
- Alright, let’s get saucy! This recipe for a creamy garlic sauce is the perfect addition to any pasta, pizza, chicken wings, beef, and more! Plus, it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
- Here’s what you’ll need: a whisk, a large non-stick skillet, and butter, garlic, flour, half and half, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. If you don’t have fresh parsley, you could always use dried parsley or cilantro. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, you could swap the butter and Parmesan cheese for vegan butter and nutritional yeast.
- First, grab your skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Then, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Make sure you’re stirring constantly so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Next, add the flour and stir it in, cooking for about 1 minute, or until lightly browned.
- Slowly add in the half and half, whisking as you pour, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens. Keep stirring occasionally to avoid any lumps from forming.
- Now, it’s time to add the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Once they are fully incorporated, remove the skillet from the heat.
- It’s best to serve the sauce immediately. As it cools, it will continue to thicken.
Serving Suggestions for Creamy Garlic Sauce
You’ll love the versatility of this creamy garlic sauce! It’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, and dolloping over all sorts of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Pasta Perfection: Toss it with your favorite pasta for an instant upgrade. Try it with fettuccine, spaghetti, or even ziti. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some cooked chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Pizza Party: Add a drizzle of this sauce over your favorite pizza for a garlic twist. Try it with Margherita, pepperoni, or even a veggie pizza. Yum!
- Chicken Wings: Make game day extra delicious with this sauce as a dip for crispy chicken wings. Try it with Buffalo, BBQ, or even teriyaki wings.
- Beefy Goodness: Drizzle this sauce over a juicy steak or roast beef for a fancy dinner. Serve it with mashed potatoes and green beans for a complete meal.
FAQ’s
What can I use as an alternative for the butter in this recipe?
You could use olive oil, vegan butter or even coconut oil as an alternative for the butter in this recipe. Just make sure to use the same measurement, 4 tablespoons.
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Parmesan?
Sure thing! You could use any hard, salty cheese that you have on hand such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a good quality shredded cheddar. Just remember to adjust the amount accordingly if the cheese is saltier or stronger than Parmesan.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, you could use vegan butter and a plant-based milk such as almond or soy in place of the half and half, and a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Also, keep an eye on the garlic while cooking so as to not burn it.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, the sauce may thicken further off heat, so you may want to thin it out with a splash of milk when reheating. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use fresh parsley or dried parsley?
You can use either fresh or dried parsley in this recipe, but fresh parsley will give the sauce a brighter, fresher flavor. If using dried parsley, use about 1 tablespoon instead of 2 tablespoons fresh.
Creamy Garlic Sauce
Equipment
- Whisk
- Large non-stick skillet
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups high-quality half and half
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large non-stick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the flour, stirring constantly, and cook for 1 minute or until lightly browned.
- Gradually whisk in the half and half and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately over pasta, pizza, chicken, beef, or any dish of your choice.
Notes
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or more half and half to reach your desired consistency.
Serve the sauce immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
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