5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

A rich and savory sauce that’s packed with flavor, this 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Whether drizzled over seared chicken, served over a plate of pasta, or paired with mashed potatoes, this creamy garlic sauce will elevate your dish in just a few easy steps. With a base of butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and cream, it’s simple to make, but the flavors are extraordinary. Ready in just 20 minutes, this sauce proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients to create something delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Simple and Quick: With only five ingredients, this creamy garlic sauce comes together in 20 minutes or less.
  2. Versatile: It can be used as a sauce for chicken, pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables—perfect for a variety of meals.
  3. Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy texture will instantly transform any dish into a comforting meal.
  4. Customizable Thickness: You can easily adjust the thickness by either letting the sauce simmer or making a simple cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.
  5. Few Ingredients, Big Taste: Despite the minimal ingredients, the flavors are rich and satisfying, making this sauce a go-to for busy nights when you want something special.

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Garlic cloves (grated)
  • Italian seasoning
  • Chicken broth or stock
  • Half and half or heavy cream (warmed)

Variations

  • Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream substitute in place of the half and half or heavy cream.
  • Add Parmesan: Stir in some grated Parmesan for a cheesy, richer flavor.
  • Herb Infused: Swap out the Italian seasoning for fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil for a different flavor profile.
  • Spicy Garlic Sauce: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the grated garlic cloves and sauté for about 2 minutes. Stir the garlic frequently to ensure it turns golden but doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Toast the Italian Seasoning

Add the Italian seasoning to the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to toast the seasoning, enhancing its flavor.

Step 3: Add Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth or stock and let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the garlic and seasoning to fully infuse the broth.

Step 4: Stir in Cream

Add the warmed half and half or heavy cream to the pan, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until it reduces and thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Pour the creamy garlic sauce over chicken, pasta, or mashed potatoes and serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Don’t Burn the Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will turn bitter. Keep the heat moderate and stir constantly.
  • Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the sauce and simmer for 5 more minutes.
  • Use Warm Cream: Warm the cream or half and half before adding it to the pan. This will prevent it from curdling when mixed with the hot broth.

How to Serve

  • With Chicken: Pour the creamy garlic sauce over grilled or seared chicken breasts for a rich, savory dish.
  • With Pasta: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta for an indulgent meal. Pair with a side of garlic bread for extra flavor.
  • Mashed Potatoes: Drizzle the sauce over creamy mashed potatoes to create a comforting side dish.
  • Vegetables: Use it as a drizzle over steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir well and add a little chicken broth or water to restore its creamy texture.

Freezing

While this sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. To freeze, let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sauce in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?

Yes, vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version of this sauce.

2. Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

Yes, use a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream in place of the heavy cream or half and half.

3. What can I serve this sauce with?

This creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with chicken, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even roasted vegetables.

4. Can I make this sauce without Italian seasoning?

Yes, you can replace Italian seasoning with individual herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme.

5. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, make a slurry with cornstarch and water, then simmer it for a few more minutes.

6. Can I make this sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

7. Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, this sauce can be frozen for up to a month. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

8. Can I add cheese to this sauce?

Yes, adding Parmesan cheese will make the sauce richer and creamier.

9. How long does this sauce take to cook?

The sauce only takes about 10 minutes to cook after the garlic has been sautéed.

10. Can I use fresh garlic instead of grated garlic?

Yes, fresh garlic works just as well. Grated garlic helps to infuse the sauce with a smoother garlic flavor.

Conclusion

This 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful addition to your kitchen arsenal. With just five ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can create a rich, creamy sauce that complements any dish. Whether you’re using it for pasta, chicken, or mashed potatoes, this sauce will become your new go-to. Try it today and enjoy the delicious depth of flavor it brings to your meals!

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5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce


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  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This rich and creamy garlic sauce is quick and easy to make with only 5 ingredients! Perfect for pasta, chicken, or mashed potatoes, this sauce is a must-try for any garlic lover.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 garlic cloves, grated
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup chicken broth or stock
  • 1 cup half and half or heavy cream, warmed

Instructions

  • Over medium heat, melt the butter in a pan.
  • Add the grated garlic cloves to the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring to ensure the garlic toasts to a golden color without burning.
  • Add the Italian seasoning to the garlic and toast for another 30 seconds.
  • Pour in the chicken broth or stock and let it simmer to combine with the garlic.
  • Once incorporated, add the warmed half and half or cream, and bring to a simmer.
  • Let the sauce cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s visibly reduced and thickened.
  • Serve the sauce over chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, or toss it with pasta.

Notes

  • Thicker Sauce: If you need the sauce to be thicker, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to make a slurry. Add it to the sauce and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  • This sauce is perfect for tossing with pasta, but if you’re serving it with seared chicken breasts, you may prefer a thicker consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Chicken Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

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