5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and luxurious way to bring dinners to life, this 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is pure gold. It’s unbelievably simple, irresistibly rich, and unbelievably versatile—whether you drizzle it over pan-seared chicken, toss it with tender pasta, or spoon it atop fluffy mashed potatoes, you’ll transform any meal into something heavenly in minutes. With only five staple ingredients and just a handful of steps, this powerful little sauce is your ticket to restaurant-level comfort food, right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each of these five everyday ingredients packs a punch to create a sauce that’s far more than the sum of its parts. They’re thoughtfully chosen to deliver silky texture, aromatic depth, and an irresistible creaminess no one can resist.
- Butter: The foundation of flavor, butter gives this sauce its rich, mellow base and helps toast the garlic perfectly.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Grated for extra intensity, garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and bold taste.
- Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon adds warmth and herbaceous notes for extra complexity with zero effort.
- Chicken broth or stock: Adds depth, body, and just the right hint of savoriness—choose low-sodium to better control saltiness.
- Half and half or heavy cream (warmed): The secret to the dreamy, creamy finish—use heavy cream for extra decadence, or half and half for a lighter touch.
How to Make 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
Start by setting a medium skillet over medium heat and melting that glorious tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is foamy and just starting to brown slightly, add your grated garlic. Stir and sauté it for about two minutes—be attentive, because this is when the garlic releases its fragrance and toasts to a golden color. Keep it moving so it doesn’t burn; burned garlic can turn bitter, and you want mellow, toasty notes.
Step 2: Add Italian Seasoning
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning right into the garlicky butter. Let it sizzle and bloom for 30 seconds. This gentle toasting unlocks the dried herbs’ oils, making the sauce taste like it’s been slow-cooked all day—even though you’ve barely started!
Step 3: Pour in the Broth and Cream
Now comes the magic: pour in the chicken broth and the warmed half and half or heavy cream. Give everything a hearty stir and bring it up to a simmer. Let this mixture gently bubble away for about five minutes. As it cooks, it’ll reduce slightly, thickening and concentrating the flavors for that classic 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce richness.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
If you love your sauce extra velvety, this step is key. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook, stirring gently, for about 5 minutes more. You’ll notice the sauce transforms before your eyes—thicker, glossier, and even more tempting.
Step 5: Enjoy With Your Favorites
That’s it! Your 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is now ready to meet whatever delicious dish you have planned. Pour it over seared chicken, roasted veggies, or fresh pasta. With every spoonful, you’ll know exactly why this sauce is a weeknight (and weekend) staple.
How to Serve 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce
Garnishes
Lift your sauce to the next level with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, a grind of black pepper, or a pinch of grated parmesan. Even a little lemon zest can introduce a pop of brightness that balances the creaminess beautifully.
Side Dishes
This sauce is a superstar alongside mashed potatoes, roasted or steamed vegetables, or fluffy rice. Try serving it with crusty bread for dipping—your guests will be fighting for every last drop! Of course, pasta is always a win, especially fettuccine or penne that catches the creamy sauce in every groove.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Drizzle the 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce over grilled shrimp skewers, roasted mushrooms, or even as a luscious topping for baked potatoes. Try using it as a dipping sauce for crispy chicken tenders or oven-fried zucchini fries, or serve it in a small pitcher for each diner to pour their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any sauce left (it goes fast!), simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers almost a treat in themselves.
Freezing
Good news: this 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce stores well in the freezer! Let it cool completely, portion into small containers or zip-top bags, and freeze. Pop out just what you need and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring the sauce back to its silky best, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if it’s too thick. Whisk continuously to prevent separation and restore that creamy, dreamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use dairy alternatives in this sauce?
Absolutely! You can substitute the half and half or cream with a rich non-dairy alternative like oat cream or coconut cream. Just know the flavor and thickness may change slightly, but the sauce will still be delicious.
Is it possible to make this 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce vegetarian?
Yes, just swap out the chicken broth for your favorite vegetable stock or broth. You’ll get all the depth of flavor with no meat products—perfect for vegetarian dinners!
How can I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and stir constantly as the garlic sautés in the butter. Garlic cooks quickly and can go from golden to burnt in seconds, so keep an eye on it and don’t walk away!
Can I add cheese to make it even creamier?
You sure can! Stir in a handful of grated parmesan or asiago cheese after you’ve finished thickening the sauce for extra richness and a little tang. It’ll melt right in and intensify the flavor.
What proteins or veggies pair best with this sauce?
This sauce is wonderfully versatile. Try it on grilled chicken, seared salmon, shrimp, roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even poured over a baked potato. It makes any dish feel instantly special.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one sauce that can work miracles in the kitchen, it’s the 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce. Whether you’re treating yourself to a cozy meal or looking to wow guests on a busy night, you’ll find yourself reaching for this easy, luscious recipe again and again. Give it a try soon and see just how many delicious ways it brings your table to life!
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5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy recipe for a rich and creamy garlic sauce, perfect for serving over chicken, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 garlic cloves (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth (or stock)
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream (warmed)
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic cloves and sauté for 2 minutes until golden.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in Italian seasoning and toast for 30 seconds.
- Add Liquid: Pour in chicken broth and cream, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Thicken: Mix cornstarch with water, add to sauce, and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve: Use with chicken, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: creamy garlic sauce, easy sauce recipe, quick garlic sauce
