Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce

Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce is a rich, velvety sauce infused with the deep, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic. It’s perfect for pasta, chicken, seafood, or as a decadent drizzle over roasted vegetables. With just a few simple ingredients, this sauce elevates any dish with its creamy texture and bold, garlicky taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, Savory Flavor – Roasting the garlic brings out its natural sweetness and richness.
  • Versatile – Works with pasta, meat, seafood, or as a dip.
  • Creamy & Luxurious – A smooth, velvety texture that feels indulgent.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients come together in just a few steps.
  • Customizable – Adjust the richness, thickness, or seasoning to fit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Garlic bulb
  • Heavy cream
  • Butter
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Olive oil
  • Flour (optional, for thickening)
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Roast the Garlic – Slice off the top of a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden. Let cool, then squeeze out the softened cloves.
  2. Melt Butter – In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  3. Add Roasted Garlic – Mash the roasted garlic cloves and whisk them into the butter.
  4. Pour in Cream & Broth – Stir in heavy cream and a splash of broth, bringing to a gentle simmer.
  5. Thicken (if needed) – If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk in a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry.
  6. Stir in Cheese – Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Season & Finish – Add salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for extra flavor.
  8. Serve Warm – Use immediately over pasta, chicken, seafood, or veggies.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: About 4 cups of sauce
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes (including garlic roasting time)
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk.
  • Extra Cheesy – Add more Parmesan or mix in mozzarella for a thicker sauce.
  • Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
  • Herb-Infused – Stir in fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
  • Dairy-Free Option – Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in small portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to prevent separation.
  • Reheating: Warm on low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce

FAQs

Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of roasting a whole bulb?

Roasting whole garlic gives a sweeter, more complex flavor, but you can use minced garlic sautéed in butter as a quicker option.

What dishes pair well with this sauce?

It’s great over pasta, chicken, shrimp, steak, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop when ready to use.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the sauce; keep it at a gentle simmer and stir constantly.

Can I make this sauce without cheese?

Yes, but the Parmesan adds flavor and helps thicken it. You can substitute with nutritional yeast or omit it entirely.

How can I make it thicker?

Use more cheese, a bit of flour, or reduce the sauce longer to thicken naturally.

What’s the best way to roast garlic for this sauce?

Wrap the whole garlic bulb in foil with olive oil and roast until golden and soft.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. To compensate, use a roux (butter and flour) to thicken it.

Is this sauce keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you skip the flour or any thickening agents.

Can I use this sauce for pizza?

Absolutely! It makes a great white pizza sauce when slightly thickened.

Conclusion

Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce is a rich, flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re drizzling it over pasta, using it as a dipping sauce, or pairing it with chicken or seafood, this creamy, garlicky sauce is guaranteed to impress. With its deep, caramelized garlic notes and smooth texture, it’s a must-try for any garlic lover!

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Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce

Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes (including garlic roasting)
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 ½ cups 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop & Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Roasted Garlic Cream Sauce is silky, flavorful, and incredibly versatile! Made with roasted garlic, butter, cream, and Parmesan, it’s the perfect sauce to elevate pasta, chicken, or roasted vegetables. The slow-roasted garlic adds a deep, sweet flavor that makes this sauce irresistible!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 whole head of garlic
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk (or more cream for extra richness)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or fresh thyme/basil)

 

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Garlic

    • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    • Slice the top off the garlic head to expose the cloves slightly.
    • Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 35-40 minutes until soft and golden brown. Let cool, then squeeze out the roasted garlic cloves.
  2. Make the Sauce Base

    • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Mash the roasted garlic and stir it into the butter.
    • If using flour, whisk it in and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
  3. Add the Cream & Cheese

    • Slowly pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly.
    • Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Blend (Optional)

    • For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend it using an immersion blender or regular blender.
  5. Serve & Enjoy

    • Use immediately over pasta, chicken, steak, or veggies. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired!

Notes

  • Want a thinner sauce? Add a splash of chicken broth or extra milk.
  • For extra richness, stir in a bit of cream cheese.
  • Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

 

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

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