There’s something so comforting about a warm, silky white sauce—and this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is my go-to for pasta, chicken, or dipping crusty bread.

It’s buttery, garlicky, and packed with Parmesan richness.

Whether you’re elevating a weeknight dinner or topping homemade pizza, this sauce brings everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Velvety texture – thanks to heavy cream and butter.

Bold garlic flavor – perfectly balanced with Parmesan.

Simple ingredients – pantry staples that shine.

Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes.

So versatile – pasta, veggies, proteins, pizza—you name it!

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Salted butter – adds richness and saltiness to the base.

Fresh garlic – finely minced for full flavor release.

Heavy cream – creates the luxurious, silky texture.

Parmesan cheese – gives the sauce its savory, cheesy backbone.

Parsley – adds freshness and color, both cooked and as garnish.

Salt & pepper – season to taste for balance.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother melting.

Stir often to prevent scorching at the bottom.

Let the sauce simmer gently, not boil—this keeps it silky.

The longer you simmer, the thicker and more concentrated it becomes.

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like heat.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the salted butter until fully liquefied.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Add the minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

Stir and cook for about 2 minutes, until the garlic is soft and fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Cream

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 10–20 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Longer cooking will yield a thicker sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Fresh Parsley

Turn off the heat and stir in shredded Parmesan cheese until melted.

Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley to finish.

Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

What to Serve It With

Tossed with fettuccine or penne pasta

Poured over grilled chicken or shrimp

As a white pizza sauce base

Drizzled on roasted veggies or mashed potatoes

A dip for garlic bread or breadsticks

Variations / Substitutions

Use unsalted butter and adjust salt to taste

Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor

Stir in lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly

Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen if needed

Not ideal for freezing—cream sauces can separate when thawed

FAQs

Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter.

Try half-and-half or whole milk with a bit of extra Parmesan.

How do I thicken the sauce more?
Just let it simmer longer to reduce, or whisk in a teaspoon of flour before adding the cream.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just reheat gently and stir in extra cream if needed.

What cheese substitutes work best?
Romano or Asiago are great alternatives for a similar flavor profile.

Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic adds the best flavor.

Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder if needed.

Can I add protein to this sauce?
Definitely—chicken, shrimp, or bacon go beautifully with it.

Can this be used as a pizza sauce?
Yes! It makes a delicious white sauce base for chicken or veggie pizzas.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is pure comfort in a pan.

With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can make a restaurant-style sauce right at home.

It’s versatile, indulgent, and totally irresistible.

The Boat Shed Kitchen