This rich and velvety pizza sauce is a game-changer for any pizza night. Made with real butter, fresh garlic, cream, and Parmesan, it’s the ultimate finishing touch for crust dipping, pizza drizzling, or pasta tossing. It’s indulgent, flavorful, and ready in under 10 minutes — the kind of sauce that makes homemade pizza feel gourmet.
Why You’ll Love This Sauce
If you’re a garlic lover or a fan of creamy Italian flavors, this sauce is about to become your new obsession. It’s quick, simple, and uses just a few pantry staples. Whether you drizzle it over a hot pizza straight from the oven or serve it alongside as a dip, it instantly elevates every bite.
This sauce is especially perfect for white pizzas, cheesy breadsticks, or as a dipping companion to garlic knots. Bonus: it’s completely beginner-friendly and comes together in one small pan.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Unsalted Butter (¼ cup):
Adds richness and body to the sauce. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.
Fresh Garlic (4 cloves, minced):
The hero of this recipe — sautéed garlic infuses the entire sauce with bold, savory flavor.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp, optional):
For an extra layer of garlicky goodness. Optional, but great if you love that deeper garlic note.
Heavy Cream (½ cup):
Creates the creamy, luxurious base. It thickens beautifully and balances the bold garlic.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup):
Salty, nutty, and melty. Parmesan brings body, depth, and cheesy goodness to the sauce.
Salt (¼ tsp) & Black Pepper (¼ tsp):
Simple seasonings that round out the flavors.
Fresh Parsley (1 tsp, optional):
Adds a pop of color and a mild herbal touch — great for garnish and freshness.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Pizza Sauce
Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant and softened. Stir constantly to keep it from burning.
Step 3: Add Cream and Garlic Powder
Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream and, if using, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir to combine and let it warm through.
Step 4: Simmer Gently
Lower the heat and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t boil — just let it thicken slightly.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan
Whisk in ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese slowly. Stir until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Add ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat once the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you’d like, and serve warm.
Why It Works
This sauce is a perfect blend of rich dairy and bold garlic. The butter and cream make it luxuriously smooth, while the Parmesan brings that deep umami flavor. It clings beautifully to crusts, spreads easily over hot pizza, and even works as a quick pasta sauce in a pinch.
Tips & Tools
- Small Saucepan: Helps control the heat and ensures even cooking.
- Fresh Garlic: Don’t skip the fresh cloves — they make a difference!
- Whisk: Essential for melting in the cheese without lumps.
- Cheese Variations: Try adding a touch of mozzarella for extra stretch, or Romano for a sharper bite.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Sauce is more than just a condiment — it’s the upgrade your pizza night didn’t know it needed. Whether you’re dipping crusts, spooning over a white pizza base, or tossing with pasta, it brings restaurant-level flavor with none of the fuss.
Quick, delicious, and packed with bold, cheesy garlic flavor — it’s a must-try for any Italian food lover.