Description
This Quick Kitchen Sauce is a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce made with a buttery garlic base, Italian herbs, and a smooth blend of vegetable broth and heavy cream. Perfect for elevating pasta, vegetables, or chicken dishes with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Base
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
Thickener
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Liquid Components
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Flavor and Garnish
- 8 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat until fully liquefied, providing a rich base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning: Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; stir continuously for about one minute until fragrant, releasing the aromatics into the butter.
- Whisk in Flour: Add the flour while whisking constantly; cook for an additional minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the sauce.
- Add Broth Gradually: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps, creating a smooth sauce base.
- Simmer to Thicken: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about two minutes until it thickens noticeably.
- Stir in Cream, Cheese, and Parsley: Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley; stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Finish Cooking: Cook the sauce on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency, ensuring the cheese melts fully.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
- For a thinner sauce, add a bit more vegetable broth or cream.
- This sauce pairs well with pasta, steamed vegetables, or grilled chicken.
- Can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adjust Italian seasoning amounts to customize herb flavor.
