Quick Answers
Garlic parmesan sauce is a rich, savory sauce that pairs well with a variety of toppings. Here are some quick answers for what toppings generally go well with garlic parmesan sauce:
- Chicken – Grilled or breaded chicken works great with garlic parmesan sauce. The richness of the sauce complements the lean protein.
- Shrimp – Brushed with the sauce and grilled or broiled shrimp is delicious with garlic parmesan.
- Vegetables – Grilled veggies like zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, etc absorb the flavor of garlic parmesan sauce wonderfully.
- Pasta – Tossing garlic parmesan sauce with hot pasta is a no-brainer. The sauce coats each strand of spaghetti, penne, or other pasta shape evenly.
- Pizza – Drizzled over pizza or used as the base for a white pizza, garlic parmesan sauce adds a ton of flavor.
- Bread – Simple garlic bread or garlic knots are elevated by dipping them in garlic parmesan sauce.
The rich, umami flavor of garlic parmesan sauce pairs well with lighter proteins like chicken and shrimp. It also complements vegetables, pasta, pizza, and bread beautifully. When using garlic parmesan as a topping, balance is key – allow the flavors of the sauce to enhance the dish without overpowering it.
Exploring Popular Topping Options
Let’s explore some of the most popular food items that garlic parmesan sauce can elevate in more detail:
Chicken
Chicken is a light and versatile protein that takes on the flavor of whatever sauce it’s paired with. Garlic parmesan sauce gives chicken a luxurious, savory quality. Here are some great ways to use garlic parmesan sauce with chicken:
– Grilled chicken breast or tenders brushed with garlic parmesan sauce just before serving
– Baked chicken thighs or drumsticks with garlic parmesan sauce drizzled over the top
– Boneless chicken wings or nuggets tossed in garlic parmesan sauce
– Breaded chicken cutlets topped with garlic parmesan sauce after cooking
– Chicken sandwiches with garlic parmesan sauce spread on a bun or roll
The richness of the garlic and parmesan coats the chicken, giving it a decadent edge. Yet the chicken still maintains its lightness. This balance of textures and flavors is what makes the pairing so successful.
Shrimp
Like chicken, shrimp provides a neutral, lighter protein base that allows sauce flavors to shine. Here are some tasty ways to enjoy shrimp with garlic parmesan sauce:
– Grilled or broiled shrimp brushed with garlic parmesan sauce just before serving
– Shrimp skewers alternating shrimp and vegetables, glazed with garlic parmesan sauce
– Sheet pan roasted shrimp and vegetables tossed in garlic parmesan sauce
– Garlic parmesan shrimp tacos or fajitas with grilled shrimp
– Cheesy garlic parmesan shrimp scampi over pasta or zoodles
The garlic parmesan sauce pairs equally well with jumbo shrimp, medium shrimp, or bite-size shrimp. The sauce can be used while cooking the shrimp or drizzled over cooked shrimp just before serving. Either way, the result is tender, flavorful shrimp bathed in savory garlic parmesan goodness.
Vegetables
Roasting, grilling, or sautéing vegetables in garlic parmesan sauce is an easy way to add tons of flavor. Try these tasty combos:
– Grilled zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, peppers, or onions brushed with garlic parmesan sauce
– Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or asparagus tossed in garlic parmesan sauce
– Sheet pan fajita veggies like onions, bell peppers, and squash baked with garlic parmesan sauce
– Sauteed spinach, kale, or other greens finished with a drizzle of garlic parmesan sauce
The sauce nicely coats each vegetable while baking, grilling, or sautéing. Vegetables soak up the garlicky richness but still maintain their fresh flavor and crisp-tender bite. If roasting vegetables, wait to add the sauce until after roasting so it doesn’t burn.
Pasta
Creamy, savory garlic parmesan sauce was simply made for pasta. It clings to each strand and infuses tons of flavor. Some easy pasta meals with garlic parmesan sauce include:
– Spaghetti, penne, or angel hair pasta tossed with garlic parmesan sauce
– Lasagna, manicotti, or ravioli baked with garlic parmesan sauce
– Fettuccine alfredo with added garlic parmesan sauce
– Mac and cheese made with garlic parmesan sauce instead of plain cheese sauce
– Chicken Parmesan over pasta drenched in garlic parmesan sauce
Garlic parmesan sauce is also excellent with vegetable pasta replacements like zoodles or chickpea pasta. For an easy weeknight meal, simmer garlic parmesan sauce while cooking pasta or zoodles, then mix together before serving. Leftover pasta and sauce also makes an amazing pasta bake the next day.
Pizza
The classic pizza toppings of garlic, Parmesan, and tomato sauce come together in one flavor-packed sauce with garlic parmesan. Use it to make any pizza extra delicious:
– Garlic parmesan sauce makes an amazing white pizza base
– Top cheese or pepperoni pizza with dollops of garlic parmesan sauce before baking
– Brush garlic parmesan sauce over pizza crust before adding other toppings
– Serve garlic parmesan sauce at the table to drizzle over slices
The sauce can completely replace tomato sauce or be used along with it. Other toppings like chicken, shrimp, veggies, bacon, etc are all complemented by the addition of garlic parmesan sauce on pizza. Top and bake pizzas as usual for an easy upgrade in flavor.
Bread
Slathering garlic parmesan sauce over bread may be the simplest way to use it, but it’s still extremely tasty. Try dipping any of the following into garlic parmesan sauce for an instant flavor boost:
– Focaccia or ciabatta bread wedges
– Thick bread slices for garlic bread
– Bread sticks or baked baguette slices
– Pizza crusts or bread-style pizza
– Crackers, crostini, or pita chips
– Garlic knots, rolls, or biscuits
The sauce can be used for dipping or spread over the surface of bread and broiled for a minute to warm. Either way, the combination of flaky or chewy bread with creamy, garlicky sauce is irresistible. It’s the ultimate easy appetizer or accompaniment to meals.
Cooking With Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Now that we’ve covered so many delicious options for garlic parmesan sauce toppings, let’s look at how to actually cook with this flavorful sauce:
Buying Pre-Made vs. Homemade
Garlic parmesan sauce can be purchased pre-made from the grocery store for convenience. High-quality jarred sauces have a smooth, pourable consistency and real Parmesan flavor. However, making garlic Parmesan sauce at home is inexpensive, simple, and allows customizing flavors. Homemade can also be less processed.
Homemade Garlic Parmesan Sauce
This easy homemade garlic Parmesan sauce recipe is a great starting point:
Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup butter
– 3 to 6 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan
– 1/4 to 1/2 cup milk or cream
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Whisk in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
3. Stir in milk or cream to reach desired consistency.
4. Remove from heat and mix in parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
This makes a nice, thick sauce. For a thinner consistency to use on pasta or as a dip, add more milk or cream. Store sauce in the fridge up to 1 week. Reheat gently before serving.
Drizzling over Toppings
One easy technique for using garlic Parmesan sauce is drizzling it over ingredients right before serving. For example, brush chicken breasts with olive oil, grill until cooked through, then drizzle with sauce. Or top a finished pizza or pasta dish with a few spoonfuls of sauce. This light finish infuses flavor without making the dish swimming in sauce.
Tossing Food in Sauce
For a more even coating, toss toppings in garlic parmesan sauce. foods like shrimp, veggies, and pasta absorb more flavor when thoroughly mixed in a bowl with the sauce. Ensure food is cooked first, then toss in sauce while hot, coating each piece. The residual heat helps thicken and set the sauce.
Baking Dishes in Sauce
For toppings like chicken thighs or eggplant, bake in a casserole dish lightly coated with garlic parmesan sauce for full coverage. Broil the dish for the last few minutes to brown the sauce. Baking helps the sauce caramelize and adhere to each piece. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
Balancing Flavors
Rich, salty Parmesan and pungent garlic can overpower lighter foods. When mixing toppings in garlic Parmesan sauce, add it gradually while tasting until the flavor balances out. Quickly cooking items like scallops or shrimp in just a bit of the sauce prevents the garlic from overwhelming the seafood.
Serving Suggestions
Using garlic Parmesan sauce to its full potential means serving it in ways that highlight its flavor. Follow these tips for getting the best results:
– Warm garlic Parmesan sauce before serving for best flavor and consistency.
– Drizzle sauce over finished dishes or use as a dip rather than cooking in it to avoid diluting the garlic and Parmesan.
– Sprinkle extra grated Parmesan over garlic Parmesan sauce for bonus cheesy flavor.
– Garnish food plated with garlic Parmesan sauce with chopped parsley, basil, or oregano.
– Be careful not to oversauce delicate proteins and vegetables so the garlic doesn’t overpower.
– Provide crusty bread for dipping and to balance the richness of the sauce.
– Chill leftover sauce to use as a sandwich spread or cooking base later on.
With the right techniques and pairings, garlic Parmesan sauce truly elevates everything it touches. This versatile, crowd-pleasing sauce deserves a permanent spot in any home cook’s arsenal. Experiment with different toppings and cooking methods to find your favorites!
Conclusion
Garlic parmesan sauce is one of the most crave-worthy, versatile sauces for topping all kinds of delicious foods. It adds a savory, garlicky, rich flavor that enhances lighter proteins like chicken and shrimp. The sauce also perfectly coats vegetables, pasta, pizza, and bread. Simple homemade recipes allow customizing the garlic and Parmesan flavors to taste. When serving garlic Parmesan sauce, warm it up, add extra Parmesan, and use it judiciously to let its flavor shine. With so many pairing possibilities, this sauce makes an effortless way to instantly make any meal restaurant-gourmet. Keep garlic Parmesan sauce handy for an easy way to impress dinner guests and please picky family members at home.