Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat butter: In a large sauté pan over medium low heat, melt the butter until it starts sizzling slightly.
- Sauté garlic and seasoning: Add the finely minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the melted butter with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook while stirring frequently for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Add flour: Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk continuously to combine it fully with the butter and garlic, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Incorporate broth: Lower the heat to low and slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth mixture.
- Simmer and thicken: Increase heat to medium and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley. Whisk continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency: Continue cooking over low heat, stirring often, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Serve immediately tossed with your favorite pasta or as a flavorful base for pizza.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer to reduce the liquid.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can substitute in a pinch.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Parmesan cheese should be freshly grated for optimal melting and flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian