5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

You’re going to love this 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce! It’s an incredibly easy and versatile sauce that can elevate your chicken or pasta dishes to a whole new level. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this sauce brings a rich, creamy flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients. Whether you’re tossing it with spaghetti or drizzling it over grilled chicken, you’ll find it’s a delicious addition to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up this sauce in under 20 minutes.
• Versatile: Perfect for pasta, chicken, and even vegetables—this sauce complements a variety of dishes.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and Italian seasoning creates a depth of flavor that enhances any meal.
• Creamy Texture: The use of half-and-half or heavy cream gives the sauce a luscious consistency that’s satisfying.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the seasonings or add more garlic to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this creamy garlic sauce, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• frying pan
• measuring cups
• measuring spoons
• whisk
• small bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Frying Pan: Essential for sautéing garlic and combining all ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensure accuracy in ingredient amounts for consistent results every time.
• Whisk: Helps combine the slurry smoothly into the sauce for perfect thickness.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 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)

How to Make 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Over medium heat, melt the butter in a frying pan. Once melted:
1. Add the grated garlic cloves to the pan.
2. Sauté them for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn golden brown but do not burn.

Step 2: Add Seasoning

Add the Italian seasoning to the sautéed garlic:
– Toast it in the pan for about 30 seconds to release its flavors.

Step 3: Combine Liquids

Now it’s time to create that creamy base:
– Pour in the chicken broth (or stock) along with the warmed cream or half-and-half.
– Stir everything together and bring it all to a gentle simmer.
– Cook for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce Further

To achieve an even thicker texture:
– In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
– Add this slurry to the simmering sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Serve Your Sauce

Finally, you can combine your delicious creamy garlic sauce with:
– Cooked chicken breasts,
– Serve it over mashed potatoes,
– Or toss it with your favorite pasta for an easy meal!

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

This creamy garlic sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking to enhance chicken, pasta, or vegetables, this sauce is sure to impress.

Over Chicken

• Serve it drizzled over grilled or baked chicken breasts for a rich flavor boost.
• Pair it with sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

With Pasta

• Toss it with your favorite pasta for a delightful creamy coating.
• Add some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

On Mashed Potatoes

• Pour the sauce over fluffy mashed potatoes for an indulgent touch.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added freshness.

As a Dipping Sauce

• Use it as a dip for breadsticks or veggies at your next gathering.
• Combine it with some red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Drizzle the sauce over roasted broccoli or cauliflower for a delicious side.
• It complements the natural sweetness of roasted carrots nicely as well.

How to Perfect 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

Creating the perfect 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is simple with these helpful tips. Follow them to ensure your sauce comes out smooth and flavorful every time!

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly grated garlic adds a vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
• Control the Heat: Sauté the garlic over medium heat to avoid burning, which can create bitterness.
• Warm Your Cream: Using warmed cream prevents curdling when mixed with broth, resulting in a silky sauce.
• Adjust Thickness: For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch slurry gradually until reaching your desired consistency.
• Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; you may want more salt or Italian seasoning.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Best Side Dishes for 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your creamy garlic sauce can enhance your meal even further. Here are some delicious options that complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: A crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment that’s perfect for dipping into the sauce.
2. Steamed Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears provide a fresh contrast and soak up the creamy flavors beautifully.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with creamy sauces and add an earthy note.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with fresh veggies creates a nutritious side that balances the richness of the sauce.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes an excellent base to absorb all that delicious sauce.
6. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned and grilled zucchini brings smokiness that pairs well with creamy dishes.
7. Cauliflower Mash: A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, this dish offers similar creaminess while being lower in carbs.
8. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad dressed lightly allows you to enjoy the richness of the main dish without being too heavy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making your creamy garlic sauce.

• Bold preparation: Not prepping ingredients in advance can lead to overcooked garlic. Measure and prepare everything before starting the cooking process.
• Bold heat control: Cooking on too high heat can burn the garlic. Keep the heat at medium to achieve a golden color without burning.
• Bold ingredient temperature: Adding cold cream straight from the fridge can shock the sauce. Always warm your cream or half and half before adding it to the pan.
• Bold seasoning balance: Skipping Italian seasoning may leave your sauce flat. Don’t forget to incorporate it, as it adds depth of flavor.
• Bold thickening technique: Failing to use a slurry properly can result in a thin sauce. Mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth before adding it to the sauce for thickening.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container, as the sauce may expand when frozen.

Reheating 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring frequently until hot. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed for consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and using this creamy garlic sauce.

How can I customize my 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce?

You can add herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness or even incorporate grated cheese for a richer flavor.

What dishes pair well with 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce?

This versatile sauce complements chicken, pasta, vegetables, and even seafood beautifully.

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute half and half with coconut milk or another plant-based cream alternative.

How do I know if my garlic is burnt?

Burnt garlic will turn dark brown and have a bitter taste. Always cook it just until golden for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

The 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It enhances chicken, pasta, and more with its rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices to make it your own!