Description
A rich and velvety creamy garlic butter sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for enhancing pasta, grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. This quick and easy sauce comes together in just 15 minutes and can be customized with optional herbs, lemon juice, or dairy-free alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 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.
- Extra Flavor: For extra flavor, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Notes
- Do not burn the garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by cooking it longer for a thicker consistency or adding a splash of cream if too thick.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a rich umami flavor.
- The sauce pairs well with pasta, seafood, chicken, and vegetables.
- For a dairy-free alternative, use olive oil and coconut cream instead of butter and heavy cream.
- Fresh lemon juice adds a bright note but can be omitted based on preference.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent separation.
