When a simple sauce takes over the internet, you know it’s worth making. This Viral White Sauce is the ultimate creamy dream—rich with butter, garlic, and Parmesan, and ready to coat your favorite pasta in silky, luxurious goodness. Whether you’re craving a fast weeknight dinner or need a reliable base for fancier meals, this sauce is your go-to.
Best of all? It comes together in under 15 minutes with just six everyday ingredients.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s a reason this recipe is viral—it’s pure comfort in a pan. The butter and garlic start things off fragrant and golden, the cream gives it body and depth, and the Parmesan ties it all together with salty, nutty richness. It clings beautifully to pasta, turns leftovers into something new, and works with everything from fettuccine to gnocchi.
This sauce is endlessly versatile, wildly craveable, and requires zero culinary acrobatics.
📋 Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: pinch of nutmeg, red pepper flakes, or fresh parsley for garnish
🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- No heavy cream? Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but reduce slightly to thicken.
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and unsweetened coconut cream or oat milk.
- Extra garlicky: Add a second clove or a sprinkle of garlic powder.
- Boost the umami: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of miso paste.
👨🍳 Instructions
- Melt butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until foamy.
- Sauté garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.
- Add cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Bring to a light simmer.
- Season & stir: Add salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes).
- Serve: Toss with your favorite pasta and garnish as desired.
🔥 Pro Tips for White Sauce Mastery
- Low and slow: Avoid high heat—it can cause the cream to break.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Double batch it: This sauce keeps well, and you’ll want it again tomorrow.
🍽 Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Use this viral white sauce as a canvas and get creative! Serve it with:
- Fettuccine, linguine, gnocchi, or even penne
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies
- A crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread on the side
Want a full comfort food feast? Try it alongside:
- Instant Pot Lasagna for an Italian-inspired mash-up
- Dorito Casserole for crunchy contrast
- Crockpot Nacho Dip as a cheesy prelude
- Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fusion sidekick
- Cheesy Hot Dip to round out your next game night menu
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store in a sealed jar or container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently warm in a saucepan with a splash of milk or cream, stirring constantly.
- Don’t freeze: Cream-based sauces can separate when thawed.
🧀 More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re all about rich, comforting flavors, try these next:
Final Thoughts
This Viral White Sauce isn’t just a trend—it’s a keeper. It brings indulgent, restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum creamy payoff. Whether you’re spooning it over pasta, dunking breadsticks, or reinventing leftovers, this sauce is ready to become a staple.
Tried it? Snap a pic and tag @chefmaniac! We love seeing how you put your own spin on it.
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