Every home cook needs a go-to sauce that works with almost anything—and this Quick Kitchen Sauce is mine. It’s creamy, garlicky, herby, and cheesy, yet takes only 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re topping pasta, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or just craving something rich and comforting, this sauce delivers every single time.
I first whipped up this recipe in a pinch when dinner felt a little… boring. Some garlic, butter, and Parmesan later—it was anything but boring. This sauce is now a staple in my kitchen, and it’ll quickly earn its spot in yours too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast – Just 15 minutes from prep to plate.
- Versatile – Pairs with nearly everything: pasta, proteins, veggies.
- Flavorful – Parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs shine through.
- Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples, big results.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Equipment
- Medium sauté pan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
1. Melt Butter and Sauté
In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Create a Roux
Whisk in the flour and cook for another 60 seconds, stirring constantly to form a smooth base.
3. Add Broth and Thicken
Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Cream and Cheese
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is silky and the cheese is melted.
5. Adjust and Finish
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Pasta: Toss with fettuccine, penne, or gnocchi.
- Protein: Spoon over grilled chicken, steak, or salmon.
- Veggies: Drizzle on roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini.
- Bread: Use as a creamy dip for garlic bread or focaccia.
Tips and Variations
- Spicy kick? Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic.
- Richer flavor? Use half chicken broth and half vegetable broth.
- Vegan version? Use plant-based butter, cream, and nutritional yeast.
- Leftovers? Store in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat, adding broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this sauce?
It’s best fresh, but can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and whisk over low heat to restore texture.
What’s the best cheese for this?
Always use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded versions contain anti-caking agents and may not melt smoothly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—just use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Final Thoughts
Quick Kitchen Sauce is your weeknight savior and your dinner party ace-in-the-hole. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it brings elegance and comfort to the table with barely any effort. Keep the ingredients on hand and you’ll never face a bland meal again.
Make it once, and you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
The Goods
Quick Kitchen Sauce
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Recipes
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 8 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Melt Butter and Sauté
- In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Create a Roux
- Whisk in the flour and cook for another 60 seconds, stirring constantly to form a smooth base.
Add Broth and Thicken
- Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Cream and Cheese
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the sauce is silky and the cheese is melted.
Adjust and Finish
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
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