If you have ever wished for a rich, flavorful sauce that could elevate everything from wings to pasta, then you are in luck with the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy Copycat Recipe for Wings, Pasta, and More Recipe. This creamy, garlicky delight is a beloved classic inspired by the famous Buffalo Wild Wings, capturing the perfect balance of sharp garlic, nutty parmesan, and savory creaminess. It’s incredibly versatile, making it the ultimate kitchen staple to dress up your dinners or snacks without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a breeze thanks to its simple, staple ingredients, each playing a key role in crafting that perfect creamy texture and robust flavor. Getting these basics right ensures your sauce will turn out silky smooth and bursting with irresistible garlic and cheese goodness.
- Butter: The foundation of richness that melts beautifully and carries the flavors throughout the sauce.
- Garlic, finely minced: Provides that signature pungent kick that defines the sauce’s savory depth.
- Italian seasoning: Adds a delicate medley of herbs that give the sauce a warm, aromatic undertone.
- Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency without lumps.
- Chicken broth (or vegetable broth): Adds a savory base and balances the richness with a light, savory liquid.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that makes the sauce velvety and indulgent.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its salty, nutty, and cheesy character.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Season to taste and enhance all the flavors harmoniously.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy Copycat Recipe for Wings, Pasta, and More Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter and Infuse with Garlic
Start by melting your butter over medium-low heat in a medium saucepan. As it slowly melts, toss in the finely minced garlic and Italian seasoning. This step is all about coaxing out the aromatic oils and flavors from the garlic and herbs, so let it cook gently for about one minute until the kitchen smells amazing.
Step 2: Create a Flour Paste
Next, whisk in the flour directly into the melted butter mixture. This forms a smooth paste that acts as the thickening agent for your sauce. It’s important to whisk constantly here to avoid any clumps and to develop a slightly nutty, cooked flavor from the flour.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Simmer
Slowly pour in your chicken or vegetable broth while whisking continuously. This step ensures your sauce remains lump-free. Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium heat and let it thicken for about 2 minutes. You’re building the velvety base that will carry the creamy richness.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan Cheese
Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk steadily as the cheese melts into the sauce, turning it luxuriously creamy and smooth. This is where the magic happens – the sauce transforms into a thick, luscious coating full of rich dairy goodness.
Step 5: Season and Adjust
Finally, season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to your taste. Give it a final whisk and adjust seasoning if needed. The result is a perfectly balanced Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy Copycat Recipe for Wings, Pasta, and More Recipe ready to make your meals unforgettable.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy Copycat Recipe for Wings, Pasta, and More Recipe
Garnishes
Shake things up by adding fresh parsley or basil on top. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or cracked black pepper not only brings a fresh pop of color but also heightens the flavor profile, making each bite as pretty as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or crispy fries. Its rich, creamy texture complements lighter dishes by adding a decadent touch without overpowering the natural flavors of your sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not drizzle this creamy sauce over a crispy chicken wrap or swirl it into mashed potatoes for an epic upgrade? You can even use it as a dip for fresh veggies or artisan breadsticks. The possibilities with Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy Copycat Recipe for Wings, Pasta, and More Recipe are endless — your imagination is the limit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last up to 4 days, giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy its rich flavor throughout the week without any hassle.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, be aware that dairy-based sauces like this can sometimes separate upon thawing. For best results, freeze in small portions and thaw gently overnight in the refrigerator. Stir well before reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat your Garlic Parmesan Sauce gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the sauce thickens too much, simply whisk in a splash of broth or cream to restore its smooth, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use this sauce for other dishes besides wings and pasta?
Absolutely! This sauce is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully as a dipping sauce, a topping for grilled vegetables, or even drizzled over pizza. Its creamy garlic and parmesan flavor pairs deliciously with many dishes.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
While dairy is central to the creamy texture, you can experiment by substituting plant-based butter, cream alternatives such as coconut cream, and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan. Keep in mind, the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How do I prevent lumps when adding the flour?
The key is to whisk constantly when you add the flour into the melted butter, forming a smooth roux before adding any liquids. Gradually adding the broth while whisking also prevents clumping.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Making a vegan version requires swapping butter for vegan margarine, dairy cream for plant-based cream, and Parmesan for nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. It’s a fun twist, but not quite the same as the classic Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy Copycat Recipe for Wings, Pasta, and More Recipe.
What’s the best type of Parmesan cheese to use?
For the best flavor and melting quality, fresh grated Parmesan from a wedge is ideal. Pre-grated powders often don’t melt as smoothly or taste as vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy Copycat Recipe for Wings, Pasta, and More Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites in the kitchen because it transforms simple meals into crowd-pleasing delights with minimal effort. Once you try it, you’ll understand how such a few ingredients can create so much comfort and joy. Go ahead and add this creamy, garlicky superstar to your recipe box – your taste buds will thank you!
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Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Creamy Copycat Recipe for Wings, Pasta, and More Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a copycat recipe inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings, perfect as a wing sauce, pasta topping, pizza drizzle, or dipping sauce. Rich and flavorful, it combines garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, or vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter gently to prepare the base of the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic and Seasoning: Add the finely minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the melted butter. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add Flour: Whisk in the flour to form a paste (roux), which will thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Simmer to Thicken: Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium heat, cooking for approximately 2 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season: Season the sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
- Serve: Enjoy this versatile sauce over pasta, drizzled on pizza, or as a delicious dipping sauce for wings or vegetables.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Adjust the thickness by varying the amount of broth or cream as desired.
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking to maintain smoothness.
