Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for richer flavor)
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, without letting it brown.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk in flour to form a paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Gradually add half-and-half in two additions, whisking constantly until the sauce bubbles and thickens.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5–10 minutes until thickened to desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and use immediately, or store for later.
Notes
- Use butter instead of olive oil for a richer flavor.
- Add extra garlic or garlic powder for a stronger garlic taste.
- Substitute Pecorino Romano for a saltier, cheesier kick.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- For dairy-free, use unsweetened plant-based milk and thicken with flour or cornstarch.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
