Quick & Creamy: The Ultimate 15-Minute Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe
Elevate your everyday meals with this incredibly easy and lusciously smooth Rosemary Cream Sauce. Crafted in a single pot and ready in just 15 minutes, this herb-infused delight is a game-changer for any home cook. Its rich, decadent flavor profile makes it an ideal accompaniment for a wide array of dishes, from succulent roasted chicken and flaky baked fish to vibrant steamed vegetables and comforting pasta. Get ready to add a touch of gourmet elegance to your plate with minimal fuss!
Why This Rosemary Cream Sauce Recipe is a Must-Try
When you think of rosemary, your mind might conjure images of it beautifully adorning roasted potatoes, infusing marinades, enhancing seasoning rubs, or even adding a fragrant touch to a cocktail. While these are all fantastic applications, this particular rosemary cream sauce recipe truly stands out as one of the most delightful and efficient ways to utilize the aromatic bounty of fresh rosemary, especially if you have a thriving herb garden.
What makes this recipe so exceptional? Beyond its incredibly short preparation time of just 15 minutes, it boasts a versatility that makes it a perfect complement to almost any meal. It pairs exquisitely with a diverse range of proteins, including succulent roasted chicken, tender beef, and delicate salmon. Furthermore, it beautifully enhances fresh vegetables, brings a rich depth to simple pasta dishes, and can even transform a basic steak into a culinary masterpiece. With only 7 simple ingredients, this sauce proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t have to come with a lengthy ingredient list or complicated steps. It’s truly a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special, making it an indispensable recipe for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress.
Simple Ingredients for an Incredible Cream Sauce
Gathering your ingredients for this easy rosemary cream sauce is quick and straightforward. You’ll likely have most of these staples in your pantry already! For exact measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the printable recipe card available at the conclusion of this post. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create this rich and fragrant sauce:
Ingredient Insight & Clever Substitutions
- BUTTER: We use butter as the foundational fat to sauté the aromatics and build the sauce’s initial richness. Unsalted butter is generally preferred in cooking to allow you to control the total sodium content. If using salted butter, you might want to slightly reduce the amount of garlic salt later.
- GARLIC: Freshly minced garlic is absolutely essential here to provide that pungent, warm aroma that perfectly complements the rosemary. While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh garlic offers an unparalleled depth of flavor. Aim for finely minced garlic to ensure it disperses evenly and doesn’t overpower the sauce with large chunks.
- FRESH ROSEMARY: This is the star of our sauce! Fresh rosemary sprigs, finely minced, release their potent, piney, and slightly citrusy notes beautifully when gently sautéed. Dried rosemary can be used, but fresh is highly recommended for its vibrant flavor and aroma. If using dried, use about half the amount of fresh, as its flavor is more concentrated.
- HEAVY CREAM: The key to a truly rich and velvety cream sauce. Heavy whipping cream provides the necessary fat content to create a stable, smooth, and decadent base. For a slightly lighter version, you could experiment with half-and-half, but be aware that it might result in a thinner sauce and has a higher chance of splitting if boiled too vigorously. Whole milk is another option, but will yield an even thinner sauce. Dairy-free alternatives like full-fat coconut milk (from a can, not a carton) or unsweetened cashew cream could work for a plant-based version, though the flavor profile will subtly change.
- PARMESAN CHEESE: For the ultimate creamy and well-melted texture, I always advocate for finely grating your parmesan cheese directly from a block. Pre-grated varieties often contain cellulose, an anti-caking agent that can prevent the cheese from melting smoothly and can result in a grainy texture. However, if convenience is paramount, finely grated parmesan from the store will still do the trick perfectly well. For an extra sharp flavor, consider Pecorino Romano.
- GARLIC SALT: This convenient seasoning adds both saltiness and an extra layer of garlic flavor. If you don’t have garlic salt, you can easily substitute it with a combination of ½ teaspoon of garlic powder and ¼ to ½ teaspoon of fine sea salt, adjusting to your taste.
- CORNSTARCH: This is our secret weapon for achieving a perfectly thick and stable sauce quickly. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your sauce reaches that desired luscious consistency without needing to simmer for extended periods and risk over-reducing the volume. You could technically achieve thickness by just simmering the cream, but this would reduce the overall quantity of the sauce significantly.
Mastering Your Homemade Rosemary Cream Sauce
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are provided to help you visualize the process of making this exquisite rosemary cream sauce. For a convenient printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and slightly shimmering, add the minced garlic and fresh minced rosemary. Sauté these fragrant ingredients for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become incredibly aromatic. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
- Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, making sure to whisk constantly. Continuous whisking is crucial here to prevent the cream from scorching at the bottom of the pan and to ensure a smooth, even consistency as it heats.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning: Once the cream reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat slightly and whisk in the grated parmesan cheese and garlic salt. Continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the cream, creating a smooth and cohesive sauce. This step infuses the sauce with savory, umami notes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Finally, reduce the heat to low. Add the cornstarch and continue to whisk over low heat. The sauce will begin to thicken relatively quickly, usually within 1-3 minutes. Whisk until it reaches your desired consistency – thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success
Store any leftover rosemary cream sauce in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If it’s too thick, add a splash of heavy cream or water to loosen it back to your desired consistency.
Absolutely! This sauce is a fantastic make-ahead option, saving you valuable time in the kitchen. Prepare the rosemary cream sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator with a sealed lid. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. As mentioned, if it has thickened too much in the fridge, a small splash of heavy cream or water will bring it back to life.
Yes, you can freeze this sauce, though with a slight caveat. Cream-based sauces sometimes have a tendency to separate or “split” when frozen and thawed due to the fat content. However, it should reheat nicely if you follow a few steps: thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it very slowly in a saucepan over low heat, whisking continuously. If it looks a little separated, keep whisking gently as it warms, and it should come back together. When freezing, always remember to leave adequate space at the top of your container or jar to allow for expansion.
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it gently for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, make a slurry with a tiny bit more cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water, then whisk it into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon or two of warm heavy cream, milk, or even chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Certainly! While rosemary is the star, this cream sauce provides a wonderful base for other herbs. Thyme, sage, or even a touch of finely chopped parsley would make excellent additions. Feel free to experiment with combinations that complement your main dish. For example, thyme pairs beautifully with chicken, while sage is classic with pork.
Yes, it is possible. As mentioned in the ingredient notes, you can thicken the sauce by simply simmering the heavy cream mixture until it naturally reduces and thickens. However, this process will take longer and will result in a smaller volume of sauce. Cornstarch is used to achieve a quick, consistent thickness while maintaining the sauce’s original volume.
Delightful Serving Suggestions for Rosemary Cream Sauce
The versatility of this rosemary cream sauce is truly one of its greatest assets. It’s a fantastic way to add a layer of sophisticated flavor and a luxurious texture to countless dishes. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:
- With Seafood: This sauce is exceptional over any type of fish, particularly baked or pan-seared salmon, cod, or halibut. The creamy, herbaceous notes beautifully complement the delicate flavor of seafood. You can also drizzle it over seared scallops or shrimp for an elegant touch.
- Enhancing Poultry: Spoon it generously over roasted chicken breast, crispy chicken thighs, or even a whole roasted chicken. It adds moisture and an incredible depth of flavor. It’s also perfect for turkey cutlets!
- Alongside Meats: Don’t limit yourself to poultry and fish! This sauce pairs wonderfully with seared steak, pork chops, or even lamb. Its richness can cut through the heartiness of red meats, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Pasta Perfection: Toss freshly cooked pasta (fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even penne) with this sauce for a simple yet decadent meal. Add some grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a complete dish. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or an extra grating of Parmesan cheese would be a lovely finish.
- Vibrant Vegetables: Transform plain steamed or roasted vegetables into something truly special. Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, carrots, or Brussels sprouts all take on a new life when coated in this creamy rosemary goodness. It’s an excellent way to encourage even picky eaters to enjoy their greens!
- Potatoes and Grains: Drizzle it over mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or even baked potatoes for an extra layer of flavor. It also makes a fantastic topping for rice pilaf or quinoa.
- As a Dip: Serve it warm as a dipping sauce for crusty bread or warm focaccia.
With so many ways to enjoy it, this rosemary cream sauce is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy experimenting and discovering your favorite pairings!
Explore More Homemade Sauce Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed making this delicious rosemary cream sauce, you might be inspired to try your hand at other homemade sauces that can truly elevate your cooking. Crafting sauces from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and tailor flavors to your exact preferences. Here are some more fantastic recipes to expand your sauce-making skills:
- Homemade Pizza Sauce
- Decadent Caramel Sauce
- Rich Bolognese Sauce
- Tangy Alabama White Sauce
- Authentic Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Creamy Vodka Sauce
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Rosemary Cream Sauce
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 ½ Tablespoons minced fresh rosemary
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 ½ Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Equipment
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Saucepan
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Whisk
Before You Begin: Chef’s Notes
- This versatile sauce is excellent over fish, chicken, steak, and fresh vegetables. It also makes a wonderful creamy pasta sauce!
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, whisking in a splash of cream or water if needed to restore consistency.
- While you can thicken the sauce by simmering it down, using cornstarch provides quick thickening, maintains volume, and ensures a consistently smooth texture every time.
Instructions
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Melt 1 Tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 Tablespoons of minced garlic and 1 ½ Tablespoons of minced fresh rosemary. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring until fragrant and the garlic is lightly golden, being careful not to burn it.
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Pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking constantly to ensure smoothness and prevent scorching.
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Whisk in 1 ½ Tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of garlic salt. Continue whisking until the cheese is fully melted and smoothly integrated into the sauce.
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Reduce the heat to low. Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and whisk continuously over low heat until the sauce thickens to your desired rich, creamy consistency. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Calories: 122 cal |
Carbohydrates: 2 g |
Protein: 1 g |
Fat: 12 g |
Saturated Fat: 8 g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g |
Trans Fat: 0.1 g |
Cholesterol: 38 mg |
Sodium: 181 mg |
Potassium: 41 mg |
Fiber: 0.1 g |
Sugar: 1 g |
Vitamin A: 500 IU |
Vitamin C: 1 mg |
Calcium: 33 mg |
Iron: 0.1 mg
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The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.