Description
This Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce is a luscious, easy-to-make sauce perfect for elevating pasta, grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. Made with a rich blend of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and optional Parmesan cheese, it offers a velvety texture with a deep garlic flavor. Finished with a touch of lemon juice and fresh parsley, this sauce is both indulgent and versatile, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 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 desired, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice for brightness 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 color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.
- Optional Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative.
- Flavor Variations: For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary during cooking.
Notes
- Do not burn the garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds richness and umami.
- Lemon juice brightens the sauce but can be omitted if desired.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to enhance color and freshness.
- This sauce pairs well with pasta, seafood, chicken, and vegetables.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use olive oil and coconut cream.
- Add herbs and spices to customize flavor profile.
