Simple Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe (Ready in 15 Minutes)

Perfect for pasta, chicken, or seafood – this creamy garlic sauce transforms any meal into something special.

Key Points:

• Rich, silky sauce made with fresh garlic and heavy cream
• Ready in just 15 minutes using basic kitchen tools
• Makes enough for 4 servings
• Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days

The Secret to Restaurant-Quality Garlic Sauce at Home

Want to make pasta night extra special? This creamy garlic sauce is your answer. No more settling for jarred sauces – you can make this rich, silky sauce in just 15 minutes using ingredients you probably already have.

Time Requirements

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Garlic press (optional)
• Fine mesh strainer (optional)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Ingredients

• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Optional Substitutions

• Heavy cream → half-and-half (for lighter sauce)
• Fresh garlic → 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Parmesan → Pecorino Romano
• Fresh parsley → 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation Phase (5 minutes)

1. Set Up Your Workspace (1 minute)

• Clear and clean your counter space
• Place cutting board in front of you
• Get all equipment within easy reach
• Read through entire recipe once

1. Prepare Garlic (2 minutes)

• Separate 6 cloves from garlic head
• Remove papery skin from each clove
• If using knife:
  • Place flat side of knife on clove
  • Press firmly to crush
  • Mince into very tiny pieces (about size of rice grains)
• If using garlic press:
  • Place peeled clove in press
  • Squeeze firmly over small bowl
• Transfer minced garlic to small bowl
• Wipe board clean

1. Measure Remaining Ingredients (2 minutes)

• Place all measuring tools on counter
• Measure 4 tablespoons butter onto small plate
• Pour 2 cups heavy cream into measuring cup
• Measure 1/2 cup Parmesan into bowl
• Set out salt and pepper shakers
• If using parsley, chop now

Cooking Phase (10 minutes)

1. Heat Pan and Melt Butter (2-3 minutes)

• Place saucepan on stove
• Set heat to medium (number 5 on most stoves)
• Add butter to cold pan
• Watch butter as it melts
• When butter stops sizzling and foaming, move to next step
• Important: If butter turns brown, start over

1. Cook Garlic (1-2 minutes)

• Add all minced garlic to melted butter
• Start stirring immediately with wooden spoon
• Keep stirring constantly
• Watch for garlic to become fragrant
• Color Guide:
  • Garlic should stay light golden
  • If turning brown, remove pan from heat
  • Stir off heat for 30 seconds
  • Return to lower heat setting

1. Add Cream (2-3 minutes)

• Pour cream in slowly while stirring
• Use about 30 seconds to add all cream
• Keep stirring entire time
• Sauce will look thin – this is normal
• Visual Guide:
  • Cream should steam gently
  • No large bubbles
  • If bubbling hard, lower heat

1. Season and Thicken (3-4 minutes)

• Add salt and pepper
• Stir gently but constantly
• Watch for sauce to thicken
• Thickness Test:
  • Dip spoon in sauce
  • Run finger across back of spoon
  • Line should hold, not run together
  • If too thin, cook 1-2 minutes more

1. Final Steps (1 minute)

• Turn off heat
• Remove pan from burner
• Add Parmesan cheese
• Stir until cheese melts completely
• Add chopped parsley if using
• Give final stir
• Let rest 1 minute before serving

Finishing Touches

• Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools
• If too thick, add warm pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time
• Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed
• Pour over pasta immediately or store for later

Troubleshooting Guide

Sauce is too thin:

• Simmer longer to reduce
• Add more cheese gradually

Sauce is lumpy:

• Lower heat immediately
• Whisk vigorously
• Strain if needed

Garlic tastes bitter:

• Heat was too high
• Next time, cook garlic more gently

Variations

Herb Garlic:

• Add 1 tablespoon mixed herbs
• Try thyme, basil, or oregano

Spicy Garlic:

• Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Or 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Wine Enhanced:

• Add 1/4 cup white wine
• Reduce before adding cream

Storage & Reheating

Storage:

• Refrigerate up to 3 days
• Keep in airtight container
• Do not freeze

Reheating:

• Heat slowly on stovetop
• Add splash of cream if needed
• Stir frequently
• Don’t boil

Safety Notes & Tips

Food Safety:

• Use fresh, not spoiled cream
• Keep sauce below boiling
• Cool within 2 hours
• Reheat to 165°F (74°C)

Pro Tips:

• Room temperature cream works best
• Fresh garlic gives best flavor
• Grate cheese yourself if possible
• Save pasta water to thin sauce if needed