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