Description
Garlic parmesan magic elevates comfort cuisine with indulgent Italian-inspired flavors. Creamy cheese and robust garlic create a luxurious experience that will enchant your palate and warm your soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Butter:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Seasonings and Herbs:
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm butter gently in a medium-sized saucepan, allowing it to melt smoothly without browning.
- Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring quickly to release its aromatic essence and prevent burning.
- Pour heavy cream into the pan, creating a silky base for the sauce while maintaining a gentle heat.
- Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth, velvety texture without any lumps.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the mixture, building layers of complex flavor with each addition.
- For those desiring a hint of heat, delicately scatter red pepper flakes across the developing sauce.
- Allow the sauce to simmer, stirring consistently, watching as it transforms and thickens into a luxurious coating.
- Once the sauce reaches a perfect consistency, remove from heat and let it rest momentarily.
- Delicately garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, herbal note to the rich sauce.
- Serve immediately, draping the creamy sauce over your chosen accompaniment – whether pasta, roasted chicken, seafood, or vibrant vegetables.
Notes
- Maximize garlic flavor by using fresh, finely minced cloves instead of pre-chopped garlic for a more vibrant and intense taste profile.
- Control sauce thickness by adjusting cooking time; shorter simmering creates a lighter sauce, while longer simmering develops a richer, more concentrated consistency.
- Adapt the recipe for dietary needs by using lactose-free Parmesan and coconut cream for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture and deep flavor.
- Elevate presentation and nutrition by sprinkling toasted pine nuts or adding sautéed spinach for extra depth and a pop of color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg