Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce is rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. Made with butter, heavy cream, and garlic, it’s the ultimate indulgence for pasta, chicken, seafood, or vegetables. The perfect balance of creaminess and garlic makes this sauce a versatile and luxurious addition to any dish. Quick and easy to make, it’s guaranteed to impress! #CreamyGarlicButterSauce
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added richness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
- In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and golden, but not burnt.
- Add the Cream:
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine with the garlic and butter. Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Add Parmesan (optional):
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if using). This will add extra creaminess and a savory, umami flavor. Continue to cook the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken to your desired consistency.
- Season:
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you want a bit of brightness, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and stir to combine.
- Serve:
- Pour the creamy garlic butter sauce over your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
- Optional Adjustments:
- For a dairy-free version, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and the cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- For extra flavor, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Notes
- Creaminess: The sauce thickens as it simmers, but if it becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of pasta water, chicken broth, or milk.
- Storage: This sauce is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little more cream or broth to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
- Parmesan Cheese: The Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor, but if you’re looking for a smoother sauce, you can skip it or use a different cheese like Pecorino Romano.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg