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Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect rich and flavorful addition to elevate any dish, from pasta and chicken to vegetables and seafood. This sauce combines the aromatic punch of fresh grated garlic with the smooth, velvety texture of cream and butter, creating a luscious, savory topping that enhances the simplest meals. The Italian seasoning adds a subtle herbaceous note, making the sauce versatile and comforting.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade a weeknight dinner or impress guests with a restaurant-quality touch, this sauce is quick to prepare and uses minimal ingredients. It’s a fantastic way to bring warmth, depth, and creaminess to your favorite dishes. Plus, the ease of customization allows you to tweak flavors to your liking—making it a kitchen staple that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with just a few ingredients.
Rich and Flavorful: Garlic and Italian herbs provide bold, savory depth.
Versatile: Perfect for pasta, grilled chicken, veggies, or seafood.
Creamy Texture: Made with half and half or cream for indulgent smoothness.
Customizable: Easy to adjust seasoning or add extras like parmesan or chili flakes.

Ingredients

Butter
Fresh garlic cloves, grated
Italian seasoning
Chicken broth or stock
Half and half or heavy cream (warmed)

Variations

Add Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesy flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Herb Boost: Use fresh herbs like parsley or basil instead of dried Italian seasoning.
Vegan Version: Substitute butter with olive oil, chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use coconut cream.
Lemon Zest: Add a touch of lemon zest or juice for brightness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Cook Garlic

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add grated garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.

Step 2: Add Seasoning and Broth

Stir in Italian seasoning, then pour in chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Stir in Cream

Slowly whisk in the warmed half and half or heavy cream. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes smooth.

Step 4: Adjust and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm over your favorite dishes.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Warm the cream before adding to prevent curdling.
Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.
Don’t let the garlic brown or it may taste bitter.
Simmer gently to thicken without boiling.
For thicker sauce, simmer a bit longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.

How to Serve

Drizzle this creamy garlic sauce over grilled chicken breasts, sautéed mushrooms, steamed vegetables, or pasta dishes like fettuccine or penne. It also makes a fantastic base for casseroles or a dipping sauce for crusty bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk instead of half and half or cream?

Milk can be used but the sauce will be less rich and may require thickening.

2. Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with olive oil, use vegetable broth, and coconut cream or a plant-based cream.

3. How long does the sauce last?

Stored in the fridge, it lasts about 3 days.

4. Can I add cheese to this sauce?

Yes, Parmesan or Romano cheese works beautifully.

5. What if the sauce is too thin?

Simmer longer to reduce or add a cornstarch slurry to thicken.

6. Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?

Fresh garlic is preferred for flavor, but dried garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

7. Is this sauce suitable for pasta?

Absolutely! It’s delicious over any pasta.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just double all the ingredients.

9. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Add cream slowly and keep the heat medium to low.

10. Can I add other spices?

Yes, black pepper, nutmeg, or herbs like thyme and rosemary complement this sauce well.

Conclusion

This creamy garlic sauce is a quick, versatile, and delicious way to add richness and flavor to your meals. Its smooth texture and bold garlic taste make it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Once you try this easy recipe, you’ll want to keep it on hand to elevate everything from pasta to roasted veggies with minimal effort.