Parmesan Cream Sauce
Parmesan cream sauce is a simple yet indulgent sauce that can elevate any pasta dish in just 10-12 minutes. The sauce, rich in flavor and creamy in texture, can be paired with many pasta types such as fettuccine, penne, or pappardelle. It requires only five key ingredients and offers a quick solution for transforming everyday meals into luxurious experiences.
Ingredients
- Butter: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic cloves: 3 minced
- Flour: 4 tablespoons
- Chicken stock: 2 cups
- Heavy cream: 3/4 cup
- Parmesan cheese shredded: 2 cups
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
- Italian seasoning: 2 teaspoons optional
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish: 1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons of flour to create a roux and cook for a minute.
- Slowly add 2 cups of chicken stock and 3/4 cup of heavy cream while whisking constantly.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Gradually add 2 cups of shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring after each addition until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If the sauce is too thick, add more cream; if too thin, add more cheese.
- For extra flavor, stir in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Garnish with finely chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the best flavor and texture.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a four-cheese blend or Italian seasoning.
- To adjust consistency, add pasta water for a thicker sauce or more cheese for a thinner sauce.
- The sauce is perfect with fettuccine, penne, and pappardelle pasta.