The Zesty Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe You Need Tonight

Crafting a mouthwatering lemon garlic cream sauce brings instant magic to your culinary adventures.

Zesty citrus notes dance alongside rich, velvety textures that promise extraordinary flavor.

Creamy and bright, this versatile sauce transforms simple dishes into restaurant-quality masterpieces.

Mediterranean influences shine through each silky spoonful, connecting traditional techniques with modern kitchen creativity.

Fresh ingredients become the secret weapon in your cooking arsenal.

Smooth and tangy sensations will make you the star of any dinner gathering.

Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce With A Zesty Touch

• Transform Any Dish: Versatile and packed with bright, tangy notes, this sauce elevates everything from pasta and chicken to roasted vegetables, turning simple meals into gourmet experiences.
• Master Cooking Techniques: Learn essential culinary skills like creating a roux, whisking smooth sauces, and balancing flavors with this beginner-friendly recipe that builds confidence in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Profile: The combination of zesty lemon, rich parmesan, and aromatic garlic creates a universally appealing sauce that satisfies diverse taste preferences and makes everyone at the table happy.

Gather These Ingredients For Creamy Lemon Sauce

• Butter: A rich, creamy foundation that provides a smooth texture and deep flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that adds a robust and aromatic flavor profile to the sauce.
• Half and Half: A creamy dairy product that creates a luxurious and silky sauce consistency.
• Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and velvety sauce texture.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the sauce.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy components that add a fresh and tangy dimension to the cream sauce.
• Kosher Salt, Fresh Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the sauce's taste.
• Parsley: A fresh herb that provides a subtle green note and adds a pop of color to the finished sauce.

Steps For Luscious Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan, gently melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and liquid.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic

Add the grated garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the kitchen to fill with its aromatic fragrance.

Step 3: Create the Roux

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for another minute, creating a golden base that will help thicken the sauce.

Step 4: Pour in the Cream

Gradually stream in the half and half, whisking constantly to ensure a silky-smooth texture without any pesky lumps forming.

Step 5: Brighten with Citrus

Introduce the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, stirring to distribute the bright, zesty flavors throughout the sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a rich, velvety consistency.

Step 7: Season to Perfection

Enhance the sauce with kosher salt and fresh black pepper, tasting and adjusting until the flavors sing.

Step 8: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Fold in the finely chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes.

Step 9: Simmer and Thicken

Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to develop depth and reach the ideal creamy consistency.

Tips For Smooth Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Whisk continuously and pour half and half slowly to ensure a smooth, velvety texture without any flour clumps.
• Taste the sauce before final seasoning and adjust lemon juice gradually to control tanginess without overpowering other ingredients.
• Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually while stirring to help it melt evenly and create a creamy, consistent sauce.
• If sauce becomes too thick, thin with a little extra half and half; if too thin, simmer longer to reduce and thicken naturally.
• Add chopped parsley at the end of cooking to maintain bright color and preserve its delicate flavor and aroma.

Unique Flavors For Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace half and half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Herb Garden Variation: Swap parsley with fresh basil or dill, adding a unique aromatic profile to the sauce.
• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bold, zesty flavor boost.
• Vegan Creamy Alternative: Use plant-based butter, almond milk, and cashew-based Parmesan for a completely vegan sauce that maintains rich, tangy notes.

Ways To Serve Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Over Meals

• Pasta Paradise: Toss this creamy lemon garlic sauce over fettuccine or linguine for a luxurious dinner experience.
• Protein Power-Up: Drizzle over grilled chicken, baked salmon, or roasted shrimp to elevate the protein's flavor profile.
• Veggie Delight: Use as a dipping sauce for steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or as a decadent topping for baked vegetables.
• Bread Companion: Serve as a rich dipping sauce for crusty garlic bread or use as a spread for warm, toasted ciabatta slices.

Store Your Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce With Ease

• Transfer leftover sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's sealed tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Gently warm sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly and adding a splash of milk or half-and-half to restore original creamy consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent separation.
• Place sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a loose lid, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming and prevent scorching.

FAQs

• How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?

Whisk continuously while adding half and half, and make sure to gradually pour it into the roux while stirring constantly.

• Can I use milk instead of half and half?

Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy and rich. Half and half provides a better texture and fuller flavor.

• What if my sauce is too thick?

Simply add a little more half and half or warm water, whisking until you reach the desired consistency.

• Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley adds brightness and color, but you can substitute dried parsley if fresh is unavailable. Just use about 1/3 the amount of dried herb.

Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon garlic sauce elevates pasta dishes with Mediterranean charm. Mediterranean herbs and zesty citrus create a silky, luxurious coating that brings simple ingredients to delightful new heights when you crave comfort and flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups half and half
• 13 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, grated

Sauce Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Flavor and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 lemon zest (about 1 teaspoon)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Fresh black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat butter in a medium saucepan over medium temperature until completely melted and slightly bubbling.
2. Introduce grated garlic and sauté for approximately 60 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without browning.
3. Incorporate flour and whisk vigorously, creating a smooth paste known as a roux, cooking for an additional minute to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Gradually stream half and half into the mixture, continuously whisking to prevent potential clumping and ensure a silky texture.
5. Infuse the sauce with bright citrus notes by adding lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese into the liquid, stirring until completely dissolved and creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
7. Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal flavor preference.
8. Fold in finely chopped parsley, distributing the herb evenly throughout the sauce.
9. Reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, watching it thicken and develop a rich, velvety appearance.

Notes

• Prevent lumps by whisking continuously when adding half and half, ensuring a silky smooth sauce texture.
• Adjust lemon intensity by gradually adding juice and tasting, allowing personalized tartness control.
• Use fresh garlic for maximum flavor punch, avoiding pre-minced versions which can taste flat and less vibrant.
• Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg