Parmesan Cream Sauce is a rich, silky, and comforting classic that transforms simple meals into something special.
Loved for its smooth texture and bold flavor, this homemade sauce comes together quickly and brings a gourmet touch to everyday cooking.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or elevating a festive dish, this luxurious sauce adds irresistible depth and restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.
How To Make Parmesan Cream Sauce?
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Yield: About 3 cups of sauce (serves 4–6)
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Sauté the Garlic
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant but not browned.
2. Create the Roux
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth paste. This will help thicken your sauce.
3. Add Cream and Milk
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Let the mixture gently simmer until it starts to thicken.
4. Incorporate the Broth
Gradually add the vegetable broth, whisking as it blends into the creamy base. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
5. Melt the Parmesan
Lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully melted and the sauce becomes rich and silky.
6. Season the Sauce
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Finish with Parsley
Remove from heat and stir in the finely chopped parsley for a fresh, aromatic finish. Parmesan cream sauce is ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts Of Parmesan Cream Sauce
- Calories: 230
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sodium: 480mg
Which Goes Best With Parmesan Cream Sauce?
❖ Over Pasta: Toss the Parmesan cream sauce with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for a rich and comforting meal.
❖ With Grilled Chicken: Spoon the sauce over grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts to elevate the flavor instantly.
❖ As a Dip: Serve it warm as a dip for garlic bread, breadsticks, or roasted vegetables.
❖ Over-steamed Veggies: Drizzle the sauce on broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower for a creamy, cheesy finish.
❖ On Pizza: Use it as a white sauce base for homemade pizza topped with mushrooms, spinach, or chicken.
Tips & Variations
✔ Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly, resulting in a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
✔ Adjust Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a splash of milk or broth until you reach your desired consistency.
✔ Try Different Herbs: Swap Italian seasoning with basil, thyme, or oregano for a unique herbal twist.
✔ Add a Protein Boost: Fold in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon to turn the sauce into a full meal.
I always serve the sauce immediately because it tastes best while warm and freshly made.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Can I make it without heavy cream?
Yes—use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be lighter.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Does the sauce freeze well?
It’s not ideal—cream sauces can separate when frozen.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or Grana Padano work well.
Can I add vegetables or meat?
Yes—mushrooms, spinach, chicken, and shrimp pair perfectly.
Conclusion
Parmesan Cream Sauce brings effortless elegance to any kitchen, delivering rich flavor with simple steps.
Its smooth texture and classic taste make it a recipe worth repeating.
Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or special moments, this creamy sauce adds comfort, warmth, and timeless appeal to every dish.
Parmesan cream sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth paste. This will help thicken your sauce.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Let the mixture gently simmer until it starts to thicken.
- Gradually add the vegetable broth, whisking as it blends into the creamy base. Continue cooking until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until fully melted and the sauce becomes rich and silky.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the finely chopped parsley for a fresh, aromatic finish. Parmesan cream sauce is ready to serve.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.