5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

You’re going to love the ease of this 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce! This simple yet flavorful sauce is perfect for drizzling over chicken, tossing with pasta, or serving alongside mashed potatoes. With just five ingredients, you can whip up a creamy delight that elevates any meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this sauce ensures you impress your family and guests alike with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: You can make this sauce in just 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy nights.
• Versatile Flavor: The rich garlic taste complements a variety of dishes, from pasta to roasted vegetables.
• Few Ingredients: With only five ingredients, it’s easy to keep the pantry stocked and ready for last-minute meals.
• Creamy Texture: The combination of half and half or cream creates a luxurious mouthfeel that enhances any dish.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for easy access during the week.

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Tools and Preparation

To make your 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools. Having these on hand will simplify the cooking process and help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• saucepan
• spatula
• measuring cups
• grater

Importance of Each Tool

• Saucepan: A good saucepan is crucial for even heat distribution while cooking your sauce.
• Spatula: This tool helps in stirring ingredients thoroughly without damaging your cookware.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent flavor every time you prepare this sauce.

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: Melt the Butter

Over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the grated garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté them for about 2 minutes, moving them around to ensure they toast to a golden color but don’t burn.

Step 2: Add Italian Seasoning

Add the Italian seasoning to the garlic. Toast it for about 30 seconds to enhance its flavor before proceeding.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Cream

Pour in the chicken broth or stock along with the warmed half and half or heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring it all to a simmer. Cook it for about 5 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly.

Step 4: Thicken Your Sauce

To thicken it further, create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Add this mixture to your sauce and simmer for another 5 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve Your Sauce

Combine your creamy garlic sauce with cooked chicken breasts, serve it over mashed potatoes, or toss it with your favorite pasta for an easy meal that everyone’s sure to love!

How to Serve 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

This creamy garlic sauce is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Whether you want to drizzle it over a main course or mix it into your favorite side, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Over Pasta

• Toss freshly cooked pasta with the creamy garlic sauce for a rich, comforting dish. You can add vegetables or proteins like chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

With Grilled Chicken

• Serve the sauce over grilled chicken breasts for a deliciously creamy finish. The garlic flavor complements the smoky taste of grilled meat perfectly.

On Mashed Potatoes

• Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over fluffy mashed potatoes for an indulgent side. This adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted meats.

As a Dipping Sauce

• Use this sauce as a dip for breadsticks or fresh veggies. It’s an excellent appetizer option that will impress your guests.

How to Perfect 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

To ensure your creamy garlic sauce turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly grated garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced options. It enhances the overall taste of the sauce.

• Control the Heat: Sauté the garlic over medium heat to prevent burning. This step is crucial for achieving a lovely toasted flavor without bitterness.

• Warm Your Cream: Warming half and half or heavy cream before adding it to the pan helps it blend better into the sauce, creating a smoother texture.

• Adjust Thickness: For a thicker sauce, feel free to add more cornstarch slurry gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Just remember to simmer after each addition.

Best Side Dishes for 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your creamy garlic sauce can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrition to your plate.
2. Steamed Broccoli: This simple side brings freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the sauce.
3. Garlic Bread: A classic choice that complements any Italian dish—perfect for dipping in leftover sauce!
4. Cauliflower Rice: Light and healthy, cauliflower rice soaks up the creamy sauce well without overpowering flavors.
5. Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad with veggies offers a hearty yet healthy base that pairs nicely with this rich sauce.
6. Green Salad: A refreshing green salad with vinaigrette provides contrast and keeps things light alongside rich dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce, a few common mistakes can affect the final flavor and consistency. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can lead to a bland sauce. Always taste your sauce while cooking and adjust the seasonings as needed.
• garlic handling: Burning the garlic is a frequent error. Sauté it just until golden, stirring frequently to avoid browning too quickly.
• temperature control: Cooking on too high heat can cause the cream to curdle. Keep your heat at medium and let it simmer gently for the best results.
• ingredient preparation: Using cold cream or broth can prevent proper emulsification. Make sure to warm these ingredients before adding them to the pan.
• thickening method: Relying solely on cooking time for thickness may not yield the desired consistency. Always prepare a cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Pour into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often to ensure even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring continuously until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce:

Can I use fresh garlic instead of grated?

Using fresh garlic is fine, but grated garlic blends better into the sauce, providing a smoother texture.

What can I serve with 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce?

This sauce pairs well with chicken, pasta, or even drizzled over vegetables for added flavor.

How do I make this sauce dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative.

Can I add more ingredients to this sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize with herbs, spices, or cheese based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This 5 Ingredient Creamy Garlic Sauce is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It enhances chicken dishes, pasta meals, and much more! Experiment with different herbs or spices to create your unique take on this classic recipe. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!