Quick Creamy Garlic Sauce (5-Minute Easy Recipe)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich, velvety sauce bursting with garlic flavor, ready in just five minutes. Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, pasta, roasted vegetables, or using as a dip, this easy sauce delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals, it’s a versatile addition to any kitchen.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

butter
garlic cloves (minced or grated)
all-purpose flour
milk
heavy cream
parmesan cheese (grated)
salt
black pepper
optional: parsley or lemon juice for added brightness

directions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, but not browned.

Whisk in the flour and cook for another 30 seconds to form a roux.

Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Pour in the heavy cream and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes.

Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Optional: stir in a dash of lemon juice or sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of sauce.
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Cooking time: 3 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes

Variations

Use half-and-half instead of milk and cream for a lighter version.
Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth.
Substitute parmesan with asiago or romano for a sharper flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently.
If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a splash of milk or cream to loosen.

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic provides the best flavor.

Is this sauce gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Can I freeze the sauce?
Freezing is not recommended as the dairy may separate upon thawing.

Can I make this sauce without cream?
Yes, use all milk or a milk substitute, but the sauce will be less rich.

What can I use this sauce for?
It’s perfect over pasta, grilled chicken, steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, or as a dipping sauce for breadsticks.

Conclusion

Quick Creamy Garlic Sauce is your go-to recipe when you need bold, comforting flavor in a hurry. Whether you’re upgrading your dinner or just want something delicious to dip into, this easy sauce brings garlic goodness to the table in just minutes. Keep this recipe in your back pocket—you’ll reach for it again and again.

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