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A close-up of a bowl of creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce with green herbs and small white chunks, garnished with fresh thyme, sitting on a wooden board with garlic in the background.
Maryam

Velvety Garlic Parmesan Sauce

A rich, creamy, and irresistible garlic Parmesan sauce, perfect for transforming pasta, chicken, or vegetables into a gourmet meal with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce Base
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter melted
  • 4-5 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
  • 1.5 cups Whole Milk room temperature or slightly warmed
  • 1/2 cup Chicken Broth low sodium, room temperature or slightly warmed
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Garlic Press

Method
 

Making the Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown it to avoid bitterness.
  2. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour and create a smooth paste (roux).
  3. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth consistency. Once smooth, slowly add the chicken broth, continuing to whisk until fully incorporated.
  4. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Notes

For the best flavor and texture, always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-grated varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing or reheating, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk or broth until the desired consistency is achieved. Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat.