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Creamy Garlic Sauce

What is Parmesan Garlic Sauce Made of? | Recipe Guide

Creamy, cheesy, garlicky—this Parmesan Garlic Sauce is the rich comfort you’ve been craving. Learn what goes into it and how to make it silky-smooth every time.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 3 to 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cloves garlic, grated into a fine paste
  • 60g (2.1 oz) freshly grated Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1 tbsp (14g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp (5ml) olive oil
  • 80ml (1/3 cup) chicken or vegetable stock
  • 400ml (13.5 fl oz) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • 1030 cracks of black pepper (to taste)
  • Optional: 120g (4.2 oz) baby spinach
  • Optional: 5g chopped parsley or basil
  • 500g (1.1 lbs) pasta of choice
  • Reserved pasta water, as needed

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 1 minute less than package instructions.
  2. Prep garlic and cheese: Grate garlic into paste and finely grate cheese. Chop herbs if using.
  3. Infuse fat with garlic: In a cold pan, add butter and oil. Heat to melt, then stir in garlic. Sauté 40 seconds.
  4. Deglaze and build base: Pour in stock. Boil 20 seconds, then add cream, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  5. Simmer sauce: Bring cream to boil, then reduce to low. Simmer 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Optional spinach: Stir in spinach to wilt.
  7. Add pasta: Transfer pasta directly into sauce. Add some pasta water if needed.
  8. Add cheese and finish: Stir in grated cheese. Simmer 1–2 minutes to melt and coat pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Serve: Plate in bowls. Garnish with herbs, more cheese, cracked pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

Avoid pre-grated cheese—it contains anti-caking agents that can ruin the sauce texture. Stir sauce gently and don’t let it boil too hard after cream is added. Reheat with a splash of cream over low heat; do not freeze.

  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of dish)
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: parmesan garlic sauce, creamy garlic pasta, cheese sauce recipe, pasta with cream sauce, Italian comfort food