This Garlic Parmesan Creamy White Sauce is rich, smooth, and full of cozy flavor. It’s the kind of sauce that turns simple pasta, chicken, or veggies into a restaurant-style meal. Made with butter, garlic, cream, and plenty of Parmesan, it comes together fast and tastes luxurious without being complicated.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra thickness)
- 2 tablespoons water (only if using cornstarch)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until fully melted and slightly foamy.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
Step 3: Add Cream and Milk
Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, not a boil.
Step 4: Add Parmesan
Lower the heat and slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5: Season and Thicken
Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Finish
Remove from heat and use immediately while warm and creamy.
Cooking Notes
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Keep the heat low after adding cheese to prevent grainy texture
- The sauce thickens more as it cools
- Stir constantly to avoid sticking or burning
Variations
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp directly to the sauce
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms or spinach
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
- Mix in cream cheese for an even richer sauce
Tips
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water
- For extra garlic flavor, add roasted garlic instead of raw
- Taste before serving and adjust salt since Parmesan is salty
- Use a whisk for ultra-smooth results
Serving Suggestions
- Toss with fettuccine, penne, or gnocchi
- Spoon over grilled chicken or steak
- Use as a white pizza sauce
- Drizzle over roasted vegetables or baked potatoes
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
FAQs
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, store it in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk.
Why is my sauce grainy?
The heat was too high or the cheese was pre-shredded. Lower heat and use fresh Parmesan.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing is not recommended because cream-based sauces can separate.
Can I make it without cream?
Yes, use all milk, but the sauce will be lighter and less rich.
Is this the same as Alfredo sauce?
It’s very similar, but this version is slightly lighter and more flexible for many dishes.