Delicious Creamy Garlic Sauce

This creamy garlic sauce has become my secret weapon in the kitchen whenever I need to elevate a simple meal into something special. Perfect for busy weeknights, this velvety sauce transforms basic pasta, chicken, or seafood into restaurant-quality dishes with minimal effort.

I first created this sauce when I had unexpected dinner guests and needed to make plain pasta seem impressive. Now my family requests "that amazing garlic sauce" at least once a week, and I'm always happy to oblige since it's so effortless.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: forms the rich base of the sauce allowing you to control the salt level
• Garlic cloves: fresh is essential here as it provides that aromatic punch that defines this sauce
• All purpose flour: helps thicken the sauce to that perfect coating consistency
• Half and half: creates the creamy texture without being as heavy as pure cream
• Chicken stock: adds depth and savory notes while thinning the sauce to the ideal consistency
• Fresh parsley: brightens the rich sauce with color and a subtle herbal note
• Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: for seasoning your sauce to perfection

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt the Butter:

Heat your large skillet over medium heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt completely but not brown. This creates the perfect foundation for your sauce while adding rich flavor.

Sauté the Garlic:

Add your finely minced or grated garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown or it will become bitter and ruin your sauce.

Create the Roux:

Sprinkle the flour over the garlic butter mixture and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. This step cooks out the raw flour taste and creates the thickening agent for your sauce.

Add the Liquids:

Slowly pour in the half and half and chicken stock while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to simmer.

Thicken the Sauce:

Allow the sauce to gently simmer for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still flow smoothly.

Finish with Herbs and Seasoning:

Stir in the fresh parsley and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This final step brightens the flavor and completes your creamy garlic sauce.

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The garlic is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered that grating it with a microplane rather than chopping creates a more intense flavor that infuses throughout the sauce. My husband once declared this sauce could make cardboard taste delicious, which might be a slight exaggeration but speaks to how beloved it is in our home.

Perfect Pairings

This creamy garlic sauce works beautifully with so many different foods. Toss it with fettuccine or linguine for a quick garlic alfredo, or use it to dress up plain chicken breasts. One of my favorite applications is serving it with seared scallops or shrimp for an elegant seafood dinner that takes minutes to prepare. The sauce also makes an incredible base for a white pizza when spread thinly over pizza dough before adding toppings.

Make Ahead and Storage

This sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, whisking occasionally to prevent separation. You may need to add a splash of half and half or stock to thin it back to the original consistency. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled, so don't be alarmed by this change in texture.

Quick Variations

Transform this basic garlic sauce into countless variations with simple additions. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a garlic Alfredo sauce. Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. For an herbed version, add fresh thyme, rosemary or basil along with the parsley. You can even add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a more substantial sauce that becomes a vegetable-packed pasta dish on its own.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute the half and half?

Yes, you can use heavy cream for a richer sauce or milk for a lighter version. Adjust the consistency if needed.

→ What can I serve with this garlic sauce?

This sauce complements pasta, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, or even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Simply use vegetable stock or water instead of chicken stock. The flavor will remain deliciously savory.

→ Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding liquid to adjust consistency.

→ Can I add cheese to the sauce?

Absolutely! Adding grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella will enhance the flavor and create a cheesy variation.