Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes Recipe
If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite indulgence: the Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes Recipe. This dish brings together tender baby potatoes drenched in an irresistibly silky garlic cream sauce, enriched with hints of thyme and Parmesan. It’s comfort food elevated to a new level, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Every bite melts in your mouth with garlicky goodness and velvety texture, making this recipe a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know the ingredients is like meeting the characters of a great story. Each element in this recipe is simple yet essential, working harmoniously to create a rich and satisfying flavor profile that feels both familiar and special.
- Baby potatoes: The star of the show, these small potatoes cook quickly and soak up the sauce beautifully while maintaining a tender bite.
- Salt for boiling water: Enhances the potatoes’ natural flavor right from the start.
- Butter: Adds a luscious richness to the sauce and helps mellow the sharpness of the garlic.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its signature punch and aroma.
- Heavy cream: Creates the velvety, silky texture that makes this recipe stand out.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and subtle savoriness to balance the creaminess.
- Dried thyme: A fragrant herb that complements the garlic without overpowering it.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, bringing a nutty, salty finish that elevates every bite.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of color and a fresh note to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by halving baby potatoes so they cook evenly and absorb the sauce better. Placing them in cold salted water wakes them up slowly as it heats, ensuring even cooking inside and out.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Cook the potatoes until fork-tender but still holding their shape — this usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes. Overcooked potatoes will fall apart, so keep an eye on their texture. Once done, drain and set aside, ready to soak up that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Start the Garlic Sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about a minute — careful not to let it brown as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This step releases garlic’s savory aroma that sets the foundation for the sauce’s flavor.
Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth next, stirring in dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. The combination of broth and cream yields a sauce that is rich but balanced, never too heavy.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon—a clear sign it’s ready to embrace the potatoes in creamy goodness.
Step 6: Combine Potatoes and Sauce
Add your drained potatoes to the skillet and gently toss them in the sauce. The goal is to coat each potato evenly, allowing each bite to be infused with that garlic cream magic. Take your time here to ensure every piece is covered.
Step 7: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the potatoes and gently stir until it melts into the sauce, enriching it with a beautiful, savory creaminess. This extra touch makes the dish feel indulgent and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 8: Serve
Transfer your creamy garlic-coated potatoes to a serving dish, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh taste. A final crack of black pepper over the top enhances the aroma and completes the dish. Serve hot and prepare to be wowed.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks — its mild, herbaceous flavor brightens the rich cream sauce and adds a lovely contrast. A little extra black pepper or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate the dish with subtle layers of complexity.
Side Dishes
This creamy garlic delight pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as chicken or beef, complementing their savory profiles. For a vegetarian approach, serve alongside sautéed greens or a hearty mushroom main for a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, try presenting the potatoes in a rustic cast-iron skillet or even on individual plates garnished with microgreens. For a twist, add a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or toasted pine nuts for texture contrast that keeps things exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy garlic sauce potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce with the potatoes helps maintain their flavor and texture, but be mindful that the potatoes may soften further over time.
Freezing
Because the cream sauce can sometimes separate when frozen, freezing this dish is not ideal. However, if necessary, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month and thaw slowly in the fridge to minimize texture changes.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently over low heat on the stovetop to prevent the cream from breaking. Stir frequently and add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Microwave reheating is possible but should be done cautiously to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Baby potatoes, however, tend to hold their shape better and have a naturally creamy texture perfect for this recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute butter with a vegan alternative and use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will change slightly but will still be delicious.
How garlicky is this recipe? Can I adjust the garlic amount?
This dish has a pleasant garlic punch without being overwhelming. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the cloves to 2 or 3, or if you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add more!
Can I use fresh thyme instead of dried thyme?
Yes! Fresh thyme will bring a slightly brighter herbal note. Use about a tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves instead of a teaspoon of dried thyme, but add it later in the cooking process to preserve its delicate flavor.
What can I do if my sauce becomes too thick?
No worries! Simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. The sauce should be just thick enough to coat the potatoes in a creamy layer without being gloopy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a side dish that’s both comforting and elegant, give the Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes Recipe a try. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special without any complicated steps, and it’s perfect for making everyday meals feel like a mini celebration. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of those dishes you keep coming back to again and again.
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Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Garlic Sauce Potatoes are a luscious side dish featuring tender baby potatoes tossed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce infused with thyme and Parmesan. This easy skillet recipe takes just 30 minutes and yields a comforting accompaniment perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Place the halved baby potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the water to season it.
- Cook the potatoes: Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Then reduce heat to medium and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes, making sure they maintain their shape. Drain in a colander and set aside.
- Start the garlic sauce: In a large skillet or pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic brown.
- Create the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine potatoes and sauce: Add the drained potatoes to the pan and gently toss them to ensure they are fully coated with the creamy garlic sauce.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes and stir until the cheese melts seamlessly into the sauce, enhancing its creamy texture.
- Serve: Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional black pepper to taste. Serve hot as a delicious and comforting side dish.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the potatoes to prevent them from falling apart in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper as desired after combining.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; avoid pre-minced garlic for more vibrant taste.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or grilled vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
