Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe

This Butter Garlic Sauce Recipe blends golden butter and fragrant garlic into a silky, rich sauce that elevates pasta, vegetables, seafood, and warm sides like Carrot and Parsnip Soup. Fast, flexible, and restaurant-worthy, it brings instant flavor and comforting aroma to any meal.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Servings: 4

Course: Sauces

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 130

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Butter Garlic Sauce
½ cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic minced
1 tbsp lemon juice optional
1-2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Equipment

Small saucepan
Spatula or wooden spoon
Knife
Cutting board

Method

Melt the butter slowly in a small saucepan over low heat until it turns glossy and begins releasing a warm, nutty aroma.
Add the minced garlic and cook gently, letting it soften and perfume the butter without browning or becoming bitter.
Stir in salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to balance richness with a hint of heat.
Add a splash of lemon juice if desired to brighten the sauce and cut through the buttery depth.
Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley so it stays vibrant, fragrant, and fresh-tasting.
Serve immediately over pasta, vegetables, seafood, bread, or warm dishes like Carrot and Parsnip Soup.

Notes

For a smoother flavor, use clarified butter or ghee.
Add Parmesan for a creamy garlic-parm variation.
Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellow version.
Stores well in the fridge for 5 days or freezer for 2 months.