If you’ve ever wished for a go-to sauce that’s simple, fast, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor, this 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is your answer. It’s rich, buttery, smooth, and incredibly versatile—ideal for transforming basic dishes into something special without spending hours in the kitchen or buying a long list of ingredients.
Whether you’re whipping up a cozy pasta night, looking for the perfect topping for grilled chicken, or just craving something to dip your crusty bread in, this garlic-forward sauce brings gourmet comfort with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Minimal Ingredients: Just five staples you probably already have.
- Big Flavor: Garlic and Parmesan bring bold, savory depth.
- Time-Saving: Ready in 15–20 minutes, start to finish.
- Ultra Versatile: Works with pasta, proteins, veggies, or as a dip.
- Beginner-Friendly: No complicated techniques, just simple stovetop cooking.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the five stars of this recipe and why each one matters:
1. Unsalted Butter (2 tbsp)
Butter provides a silky, rich base and helps mellow out the sharpness of garlic. Unsalted butter gives you better control over the final saltiness of the dish.
2. Garlic, Minced (5 cloves)
Garlic is the soul of this sauce. Fresh minced garlic brings that unmistakable, bold aroma and flavor that defines the sauce. Avoid pre-minced garlic in jars if possible—it just doesn’t pack the same punch.
3. Heavy Cream (1 cup)
This is where the magic happens. Heavy cream thickens as it simmers, creating a luxurious texture. It balances out the pungent garlic with a smooth mouthfeel and gives the sauce a velvety richness.
4. Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup)
Parmesan brings umami, saltiness, and body to the sauce. As it melts into the cream, it thickens the sauce slightly and infuses it with nutty complexity.
5. Salt (to taste)
A final touch to balance and enhance all the flavors. Since Parmesan is already salty, it’s best to taste before adding too much.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Garlic press or sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater (if using a fresh Parmesan block)
Nothing fancy required—just solid kitchen basics.
How to Make 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Start by placing your saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt gently. Swirl the pan to evenly coat the bottom.
Pro Tip: Don’t rush this. You want the butter fully melted but not browned.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add your minced garlic and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. The goal is to bring out the aroma without browning it, which can turn it bitter.
Aromatherapy in the kitchen! Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point.
Step 3: Pour in the Heavy Cream
Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. Reduce the heat slightly to prevent scorching, and let the mixture simmer. Stir occasionally and allow it to thicken slightly for about 5–7 minutes.
Cream will bubble up slightly—that’s normal. Keep an eye on it and stir to prevent burning.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Add grated Parmesan in small batches, stirring well to avoid clumping. Keep stirring until it fully melts and the sauce is creamy and uniform in texture.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Add salt to taste. If you’re using salted Parmesan, go light here. Once seasoned, remove from heat and serve hot.
How to Use This Sauce
The 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are just a few delicious ways to use it:
Pasta
Toss it with fettuccine, linguine, or penne for a quick garlic cream pasta. Add sautéed mushrooms, grilled chicken, or spinach to make it a complete meal.
Proteins
Drizzle over grilled chicken breasts, steak, or pan-seared shrimp for a restaurant-level dinner.
Vegetables
Roasted broccoli, asparagus, and cauliflower get a major upgrade with a spoonful of this sauce.
Bread Dip
Serve warm in a ramekin with toasted baguette slices or garlic bread for an indulgent starter.
Recipe Variations
Want to customize your 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce? Here are some tasty twists:
Spicy Version
Add ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic.
Herb Infusion
Add chopped fresh parsley, basil, or thyme at the end for a fresh herbal finish.
Extra Cheesy
Mix in a bit of mozzarella or Romano cheese for more gooeyness and depth.
Vegan Alternative
- Replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter
- Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream
- Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage
- Let sauce cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Reheat slowly in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir frequently and add a splash of milk or cream if it has thickened too much.
Avoid microwaving, as it can cause separation.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sauce
- Use fresh garlic, not jarred—it makes a big difference.
- Grate your own Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that may prevent smooth melting.
- Low and slow is key for simmering the cream to avoid curdling or scorching.
- If sauce splits (looks grainy), whisk in a splash of warm cream to bring it back together.
Serving Suggestions for Every Season
- Spring: Serve over sautéed asparagus and poached eggs for a gourmet brunch dish.
- Summer: Use as a sauce for grilled zucchini or corn off the cob.
- Fall: Pair with roasted squash, mushrooms, or pan-fried gnocchi.
- Winter: Pour over creamy mashed potatoes or use in a baked pasta casserole.
Final Thoughts
This 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce isn’t just a recipe—it’s a reliable flavor weapon in your kitchen arsenal. Its simplicity makes it approachable, but its flavor makes it unforgettable.
5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce
Description
This 5-Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with roasted garlic flavor—perfect for pasta, grilled veggies, chicken, or as a dipping sauce. Made with pantry staples in under 20 minutes, it's the ultimate quick and easy go-to for elevating any dish without fuss.
Ingredients
For the Sauce Base
Instructions
Melt the Butter
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and let it melt completely, swirling the pan occasionally to coat the bottom.
Sauté the Garlic
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden (but not browned). This releases the essential oils without making the garlic bitter.
Add the Cream
- Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream while stirring. Reduce the heat slightly and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for about 5–7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Incorporate the Parmesan
- Add ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This step thickens the sauce and deepens the flavor.
Season and Serve
- Add salt to taste. Give it a final stir, then remove from heat. Serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, chicken, or as a dipping sauce.
Note
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring constantly.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
- Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness.
- Swap cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
