INTRODUCTION
Quick Kitchen Sauce is a fast and creamy sauce you can make in minutes. It uses simple pantry items like butter, garlic, flour, broth, cream, and Parmesan. You can pour it over pasta, vegetables, or protein for a quick meal. If you like trying different quick sauces for coffee or dessert ideas, see a short guide to making a smooth butterscotch sauce to learn how simple syrups and warm butter blends work.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast and forgiving. The sauce cooks on the stove in about ten minutes. It uses everyday ingredients you likely have at home. It tastes rich and smooth with a mild garlic and Parmesan flavor. The thick texture clings to food well. It also lets you change herbs, cheese, or broth to suit your taste. If you enjoy rich drink or dessert sauces made at home, you may like the idea behind a mocha sauce copycat that shows how simple sauces can boost flavor fast.
HOW TO MAKE Quick Kitchen Sauce
This method keeps things simple. Work over medium-low heat and stir often. The steps make a smooth sauce without lumps. You can add more broth or cook longer to adjust thickness. If you want to pair this with a warm, rich mushroom style drink for a cozy touch, check a comforting mushroom coffee recipe for other cozy ideas.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
You need a few basic tools. Use a large sauté pan for even heat. Use a whisk to smooth the flour into the butter so no lumps form. A measuring cup and spoon keep amounts right. A heat-safe spoon helps finish and taste the sauce. If you want a better texture, use a fine grater for fresh Parmesan. For more small tools and quick prep ideas, you can revisit a simple sauce guide like the butterscotch sauce post to see how small tools speed up work.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic, finely minced, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend, 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 cups vegetable broth, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 8 oz freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, Kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
Sauté minced garlic and Italian seasoning for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine; cook for another minute.
Gradually add vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
Simmer gently for about 2 minutes until thickened.
Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Adjust consistency with additional cooking time if needed.
Season to taste and serve warm.
HOW TO SERVE Quick Kitchen Sauce
Serve this sauce warm over hot pasta or fresh vegetables. Spoon it on cooked chicken or turkey for a fast dinner. It also works well with steamed broccoli or roasted potatoes. Use it as a base for a bake: pour over cooked pasta, add extra cheese, and bake until bubbly for a quick casserole. Keep the sauce warm on low heat and stir now and then to stop a skin from forming.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Quick Kitchen Sauce
Cool the sauce to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container and chill in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, warm slowly in a pan over low heat and whisk until smooth. If the sauce looks too thick after chilling, thin with a splash of water or broth while you reheat. Freezing is not ideal because cream and cheese can change texture when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for no more than one month and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and whisking to restore creaminess.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Toss with cooked fettuccine or linguine for quick pasta.
- Spoon over grilled or baked chicken breasts.
- Mix with roasted mushrooms and serve over polenta.
- Use as a drizzle for roasted vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus.
- Make a creamy dip for bread or soft pretzels when warm.
VARIATIONS
- Add cooked shrimp at the end for a simple seafood sauce.
- Stir in cooked spinach or kale for green color and extra nutrients.
- Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for a richer base.
- Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper taste.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this sauce without heavy cream?
A: Yes. Use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. You may need to reduce it longer to thicken.
Q: Can I use grated Parmesan from a jar?
A: You can, but fresh shredded Parmesan melts better and gives a smoother texture and fresher flavor.
Q: How do I fix a lumpy sauce?
A: If lumps form, whisk vigorously over low heat. You can also strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps.
Q: Is this sauce vegetarian?
A: Yes, if you use vegetable broth. Use a vegetarian Parmesan if you need a fully vegetarian product.
Q: Can I make this sauce vegan?
A: To make it vegan, use vegan butter, a plant-based cream (like cashew cream), and a vegan Parmesan substitute. Use vegetable broth to keep it plant-based.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Quick Kitchen Sauce
Make the sauce up to a day ahead and chill it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat slowly and whisk in a little extra broth or cream if needed. For party use, keep the sauce in a small slow cooker on low to stay warm and stir occasionally. If you plan to use it the next day, warm it gently on the stove and taste for salt and pepper before serving.
Conclusion
This Quick Kitchen Sauce gives you a fast, creamy way to lift simple meals. It uses common ingredients and few steps to make a smooth, tasty sauce for pasta, vegetables, and proteins. If you want to read more about simple, buttery tomato-style sauces and how a little butter and onion can change flavor, check this detailed recipe for tomato sauce with onion and butter – smitten kitchen.
Quick Kitchen Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat.
- Sauté minced garlic and Italian seasoning for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine; cook for another minute.
- Gradually add vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Simmer gently for about 2 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Adjust consistency with additional cooking time if needed.
- Season to taste and serve warm.