If you’re looking for a sauce that feels indulgent but comes together in a flash, this Quick Kitchen Sauce Recipe has got you covered. It’s creamy, garlicky, and packed with Italian seasoning and Parmesan, making it an absolute star in elevating pasta, veggies, or even grilled proteins. The best part? You don’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps—just a few simple pantry staples that yield a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for any weeknight dinner or last-minute meal. Let me walk you through making this luscious sauce that’s destined to become a kitchen favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but incredibly important to building layers of flavor and a luxuriously smooth texture in your sauce. Each one plays a role, from the butter’s richness to the Parmesan’s sharpness, and the Italian seasoning’s herbal warmth.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Acts as the creamy, flavorful base and helps cook the garlic evenly without burning.
- Fresh garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): Provides a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire sauce beautifully.
- Italian seasoning blend (2 teaspoons): Adds aromatic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for that quintessential Italian flair.
- All-purpose flour (4 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce to a perfect creamy consistency without being heavy.
- Vegetable broth (2 cups): Forms the liquid foundation and infuses a subtle savory depth.
- Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Gives the sauce its signature silkiness and richness.
- Freshly shredded Parmesan cheese (8 oz): Melts smoothly, bringing sharp, nutty complexity and a luscious texture.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, finely chopped): For a pop of bright, fresh color and flavor at the end.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all flavors.
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste: Adds a mild bite and warmth that rounds out the sauce.
How to Make Quick Kitchen Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Once melted, toss in the finely minced garlic and Italian seasoning blend. Let them cook gently for about one minute, releasing those beautiful, fragrant aromas that signal a great sauce on its way. Keeping the heat low helps avoid burning the garlic, which could turn the sauce bitter.
Step 2: Create the Roux with Flour
Now whisk in the flour thoroughly, combining it with the butter and garlic mixture. Let the roux cook for about another minute—this step is crucial as it removes the raw flour taste and sets the base for thickening. Stir continuously to keep it smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Gradually Add the Vegetable Broth
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly. This careful pouring ensures the flour disperses evenly, preventing lumps from forming. Simmer this mixture for 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop a savory depth that forms the heart of your sauce.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream along with the freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Stir gently but continuously to melt the cheese evenly into the sauce, creating that velvety, creamy texture that’s so addictive. Keep cooking on low heat until you reach your desired consistency—thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.
Step 5: Adjust Seasonings and Finish
Give your sauce a final seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste. Finishing off with fresh parsley adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the whole dish. Now your Quick Kitchen Sauce Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Quick Kitchen Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley on top before serving for an appealing, gourmet look. Toasted pine nuts or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the flavor and add texture to this creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Try it draped over al dente pasta, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, or even as a complement to grilled chicken or fish. It’s versatile enough to turn simple ingredients into a comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, drizzle the sauce over stuffed mushrooms, use it as a base for a creamy dip, or swirl it into a warm grain bowl. Its velvety texture and rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser whether served family-style or plated individually with flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Quick Kitchen Sauce Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before sealing, allow the sauce to cool completely. When ready to use, gently reheat to keep that silky texture intact.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. To freeze, place your sauce in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly, whisking to recombine any separated ingredients.
Reheating
Reheat your sauce gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Adding a splash of broth or cream while reheating can help restore the sauce’s original smoothness and consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth works well and will add a slightly richer flavor. Just keep in mind this changes the sauce’s base from vegetarian to non-vegetarian.
Is there a dairy-free version of this Quick Kitchen Sauce Recipe?
You can swap out butter with olive oil, use a plant-based cream alternative, and choose vegan Parmesan substitutes. The sauce may taste a bit different but will still be creamy and delicious.
What can I serve this sauce with besides pasta?
This sauce is fantastic over grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, roasted chicken, or even as a creamy base in casseroles. Its richness pairs well with a variety of dishes.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon smoothly but still pour easily. If it thickens too much as it cools, gently thin it out with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Making this sauce ahead is convenient. Just reheat it carefully before serving and stir well to bring back its creamy perfection.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Kitchen Sauce Recipe is genuinely one of those gems that transforms everyday meals into something special without any fuss. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, it’s reliable, forgiving, and oh-so-delicious. Give it a try next time you want to add that wow factor with minimal effort—you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
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Quick Kitchen Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Quick Kitchen Sauce is a creamy, garlicky, and flavorful sauce made with butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, flour, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect for drizzling over pasta, vegetables, or proteins, and comes together in just 15 minutes on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat Butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown to maintain a smooth base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning to the melted butter. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
- Create Roux: Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until fully combined with the butter and garlic mixture. Continue to cook for an additional minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth: Slowly pour in 2 cups of vegetable broth while whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps from forming and creates a smooth sauce base.
- Simmer to Thicken: Allow the sauce to gently simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in 3/4 cup heavy cream and 8 ounces of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Final Cook: Continue cooking on low heat, stirring often, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, making sure the cheese fully melts and the sauce is heated through.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Stir in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
- Adjust the thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a splash of broth to thin it.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, steamed vegetables, or grilled chicken.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to restore consistency.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil, heavy cream with coconut cream, and Parmesan with a vegan cheese alternative.
