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