Quick Kitchen Sauce
Creamy, garlicky and oh-so-delicious, this Quick Kitchen Sauce is perfect for pasta lovers and busy home cooks alike. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a rich and flavorful sauce that elevates any dish. Its versatility makes it suitable for everyday meals or special occasions, while the combination of garlic and Parmesan gives it a unique taste that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes from start to finish, this sauce is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and Parmesan creates a creamy sauce that’s packed with flavor.
- Versatile Use: Use it as a pasta sauce, drizzle over vegetables, or serve with grilled meats.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, it’s an easy recipe to throw together anytime.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or add your favorite herbs to make it your own.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful Quick Kitchen Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand makes your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large sauté pan
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large sauté pan: Provides enough space to melt butter and blend ingredients without spilling.
- Whisk: Ensures smooth mixing of the sauce, preventing lumps from forming during preparation.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping garlic and parsley quick and efficient for better prep time.
Ingredients
Creamy, garlicky sauce ready in minutes – perfect for pasta lovers and home cooks.
For the Sauce
- 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
How to Make Quick Kitchen Sauce
Step 1: Melt the Butter
Melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat until fully liquefied.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Whisk in Flour
Sprinkle the flour into the pan. Whisk continuously until fully combined. Cook for another minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetable Broth
Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps from forming in your sauce.
Step 5: Simmer to Thicken
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream along with Parmesan cheese and parsley. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency
Cook on low heat while stirring frequently until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Taste your sauce and adjust seasoning with kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper as needed.
Enjoy your homemade Quick Kitchen Sauce over pasta or use it creatively in various dishes!
How to Serve Quick Kitchen Sauce
Quick Kitchen Sauce is a versatile addition to many dishes. Its creamy texture and rich flavor enhance various meals, making it a favorite among pasta lovers and home cooks alike. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Over Pasta
- Spaghetti or Fettuccine: Toss the sauce with your favorite pasta for a classic meal.
- Pasta Salad: Use it as a dressing to add creaminess and depth to your cold pasta salad.
With Vegetables
- Roasted Veggies: Drizzle over roasted vegetables for an upscale side dish.
- Steamed Broccoli or Cauliflower: Add a generous spoonful on top for extra flavor.
As a Dip
- Garlic Bread: Serve the sauce as a dip for warm garlic bread or breadsticks.
- Vegetable Platter: Pair with fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a tasty appetizer.
On Meat
- Grilled Chicken: Pour it over grilled chicken breasts for added moisture and flavor.
- Pork Chops: Use as a sauce on pan-seared pork chops for richness.
In Casseroles
- Baked Pasta Casserole: Mix into baked pasta dishes to enhance flavors and creaminess.
- Vegetable Bake: Spread over layers of vegetables before baking for an indulgent twist.
How to Perfect Quick Kitchen Sauce
To achieve the best results with your Quick Kitchen Sauce, consider these helpful tips.
- Flavor Boost: For more flavor, sauté onions along with garlic before adding other ingredients.
- Smooth Texture: Whisk constantly when adding broth to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- Temperature Control: Cook on low heat after adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Season Smartly: Taste as you go, adjusting salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and parsley for the best taste in your sauce.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Best Side Dishes for Quick Kitchen Sauce
Pairing Quick Kitchen Sauce with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its creamy goodness.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside and soft inside, perfect for dipping into the sauce.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing balance well with the rich sauce.
- Baked Zucchini Fries: A healthier option that adds crunch alongside creamy pasta dishes.
- Risotto: Creamy risotto pairs beautifully, offering another layer of richness.
- Roasted Potatoes: Flavorful roasted potatoes provide a hearty base that goes well with the sauce.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus complements the richness without overwhelming it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a creamy Quick Kitchen Sauce can seem simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can leave your sauce bland. Always taste and adjust before serving.
- Overcooking garlic: Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter. Cook it just until fragrant for the best flavor.
- Pouring in broth too fast: Adding broth too quickly can create lumps. Pour slowly while whisking to ensure a smooth sauce.
- Using cold cream: Cold cream can cause the sauce to seize up. Allow it to sit at room temperature before adding it to the pan.
- Neglecting to whisk: Failing to whisk constantly while adding ingredients may result in a lumpy texture. Keep mixing for a silky finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Let the sauce cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Quick Kitchen Sauce
- Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe bags or containers.
- The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Quick Kitchen Sauce
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place sauce in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring often until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the perfect Quick Kitchen Sauce:
How do I make my Quick Kitchen Sauce thicker?
You can thicken your sauce by reducing it over low heat or by adding more flour during the initial cooking phase.
Can I use low-fat cream instead?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream, but be aware that it may alter the richness of your sauce slightly.
What should I serve with Quick Kitchen Sauce?
This sauce is great over pasta, roasted vegetables, or as a dip for breadsticks.
How long does Quick Kitchen Sauce last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will last up to 5 days.
Can I customize this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, or even sautéed mushrooms for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Kitchen Sauce is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it by adding different ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re pouring it over pasta or using it as a dip, this creamy garlic parmesan sauce will surely impress your family and friends. Give it a try today and enjoy customizing it!
Quick Kitchen Sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick Kitchen Sauce is the ultimate creamy delight that transforms your meals in just 15 minutes. Perfect for pasta lovers and busy home cooks, this rich sauce combines garlic and Parmesan to create an irresistible flavor profile that enhances any dish. Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti, drizzling it over roasted veggies, or using it as a dip, this easy sauce is sure to impress family and friends alike. Made with simple pantry staples, you can whip it up anytime for a comforting addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour, cooking for an additional minute.
- Slowly add vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Simmer for about 2 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
