The Zesty Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe Everyone Loves

Creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible, this lemon garlic cream sauce brings restaurant-quality magic right to your kitchen.

Chefs adore this lemon garlic cream sauce for its vibrant, zesty flavor that elevates any dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Rich, velvety, and packed with aromatic notes, the sauce combines simple ingredients to create something truly spectacular.

Garlic sizzles gently, releasing its intense aroma while lemon adds a bright, refreshing punch.

The cream melts into a silky embrace, binding all the flavors together with luxurious smoothness.

Each spoonful promises a delightful dance of citrus and savory undertones that will make your taste buds sing.

Drizzle this sauce over pasta, chicken, or seafood, and watch as your meal transforms into a culinary masterpiece.

Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Twists for Pasta or Seafood

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace half and half with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add dried oregano, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the sauce's Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute half and half with low-fat milk and use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative with reduced calories.
• Spicy Seafood Kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to create a zesty, spicy variation perfect for shrimp or fish dishes.

Ways to Pair Lemon Garlic Sauce with Meals

• Pasta Paradise: Toss this creamy lemon garlic sauce over fettuccine or linguine for a restaurant-worthy meal that delights taste buds.
• Seafood Symphony: Drizzle over grilled salmon, shrimp, or scallops to elevate the delicate flavors with a zesty, rich complement.
• Veggie Vessel: Pour the sauce over roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed zucchini for a luxurious vegetable side dish that transforms simple greens into a gourmet experience.
• Chicken Canvas: Use as a decadent coating for baked or pan-seared chicken breasts, creating a mouthwatering main course that's both elegant and comforting.

Storing Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce for Future Use

• Store the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream sauce contains fresh herbs.
• Warm gently over low heat, whisking constantly to prevent separation. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore original consistency if sauce appears too thick.
• Heat in short 15-20 second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stir thoroughly to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.

FAQs

• Can I substitute half and half with another dairy product?

Yes, you can use heavy cream or whole milk as alternatives. Each will slightly change the sauce’s richness and thickness.

• Is it possible to make this sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Add a splash of milk if it becomes too thick.

• How can I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk continuously when adding half and half and ensure you cook the roux properly before adding liquid. Gradually incorporate the liquid while stirring constantly.

• What if I want a lighter version of this sauce?

Reduce the butter quantity, use milk instead of half and half, and use less Parmesan cheese to create a lighter, less calorie-dense sauce.

Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce – Bright and Velvety Every Time

• Whip Up Quickly: This lemon garlic cream sauce comes together in mere minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a gourmet touch without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Flavor Booster: Drizzle over pasta, seafood, or roasted vegetables to instantly elevate any dish with its bright, tangy, and creamy profile that pleases diverse taste buds.
• Pantry-Friendly Creation: Uses simple ingredients most home cooks already have on hand, eliminating the need for special shopping trips or complicated ingredient hunting.
• Impress Without Stress: Looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality sauce but requires basic cooking skills, helping even novice chefs feel like culinary superstars with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Success

• Butter: Provides a rich, creamy foundation for the sauce.
• Half and Half: Creates a smooth and luxurious texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic: Offers a pungent and warm flavor profile to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the sauce.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, tangy citrus notes to the sauce.
• Parsley: Provides a fresh, green herb flavor and adds visual appeal.

• Flour: Helps create a smooth, thickened consistency for the sauce.

Directions for Crafting Silky Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce

Step 1: Butter Sizzling

Grab a saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat, letting it become smooth and golden.

Step 2: Garlic Dancing

Sprinkle in the grated garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic and filling your kitchen with a delightful fragrance.

Step 3: Creating A Silky Base

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a golden roux that will help thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Creamy Liquid Magic

Slowly pour in the half and half, whisking continuously to ensure a luxuriously smooth texture without any pesky lumps.

Step 5: Zesty Citrus Burst

Add the bright lemon zest and tangy lemon juice, stirring gently to distribute the citrusy goodness throughout the sauce.

Step 6: Sauce Transformation

Keep cooking and stirring frequently until the sauce reaches a gorgeous, velvety consistency that clings perfectly to your favorite dishes.

Step 7: Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a rich and decadent flavor profile.

Step 8: Seasoning Symphony

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors to make the sauce sing with deliciousness.

Step 9: Herbal Finale

Remove from heat and fold in the fresh chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Step 10: Serving Spectacular

Drizzle this incredible sauce over pasta, seafood, or any dish that craves a creamy, zesty companion.

Helpful Tips for Rich, Balanced Lemon Cream Sauce

• Whisk continuously and add half and half gradually to ensure a smooth, silky texture without any clumps.
• Toast flour slightly before adding liquid to enhance the sauce's nutty undertones and develop a richer taste profile.
• Use fresh lemon zest for maximum citrusy aroma and vibrant flavor that elevates the entire sauce.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer for a thicker result or adding more half and half if too dense.
• Chop parsley just before adding to preserve its bright green color and intense fresh flavor.

Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon garlic sauce elevates ordinary pasta with Mediterranean charm. Zesty herbs and smooth dairy blend into a luxurious coating that transports you to coastal Italian kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups half and half
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons butter

Sauce Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm a saucepan over medium heat and gently melt butter until it becomes smooth and liquid.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
3. Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a golden roux with a nutty fragrance.
4. Pour half and half into the pan incrementally, continuously whisking to ensure a silky, lump-free consistency.
5. Incorporate vibrant lemon zest and freshly squeezed juice, blending them seamlessly into the developing sauce.
6. Simmer the mixture, stirring attentively, until it reaches a luxurious, velvety thickness that coats the back of a spoon.
7. Fold in finely grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely and integrate into the creamy base.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
9. Garnish with finely chopped parsley, adding a fresh, herbaceous note to the sauce.
10. Transfer immediately to a serving vessel, ready to complement pasta or enhance seafood dishes.

Notes

• Choose fresh garlic for a more robust and aromatic flavor that elevates the entire sauce.
• Use room temperature half and half to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Consider substituting heavy cream for a richer sauce or using milk for a lighter version that still maintains delicious complexity.
• Adjust lemon juice amount based on personal preference, keeping the bright citrus notes balanced with the creamy base.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg