There’s something incredibly refreshing about a Quick Lemon Cream Sauce that brightens any dish. I remember the first time I made this sauce; it was a warm spring evening, and I wanted to elevate a simple pasta dish. With just a few ingredients, I whipped up this creamy lemon delight that transformed our dinner into a delightful experience. It’s amazing how a splash of lemon juice and a bit of cream can turn a mundane meal into something extraordinary. Now, this sauce has become a staple in my kitchen, perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables or mixing with pasta for a light, flavorful dinner.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
0 mins

Cook Time:
0 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
200 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
22 g

Tools Used:
Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Food Processor

The Best Thing About This Quick Lemon Cream Sauce

It’s Incredibly Versatile

One of the reasons I adore Quick Lemon Cream Sauce is its versatility. You can pair it with pasta, seafood, and even grilled chicken or vegetables. It’s the kind of sauce that adapts beautifully to whatever you have on hand, making it a reliable recipe to have in your arsenal.

Simple Ingredients

This sauce relies on just a handful of ingredients: butter, cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and parsley. Each component plays a role in creating a rich, tangy flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. You likely have these ingredients in your pantry, making it easy to whip up at a moment’s notice.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a fancy gathering, this sauce steals the show. It adds a touch of elegance without requiring hours in the kitchen. You can impress your guests with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy the evening with loved ones instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

Quick to Prepare

With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have this sauce ready to go. It’s a fantastic solution for those busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have the time to spend hours cooking. The microwave method I use is fast, so you can have a warm sauce ready in no time.

Rich and Creamy Texture

The combination of butter and cream creates a luscious, velvety texture that’s simply delightful. This creaminess coats your pasta or vegetables beautifully, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to go back for seconds!

Key Ingredients for Quick Lemon Cream Sauce

In crafting the perfect Quick Lemon Cream Sauce, each ingredient plays a vital role. The balance of creamy and tangy flavors is what makes this sauce so special. The key players are butter and cream, which provide the rich base, while lemon juice adds a refreshing brightness. Garlic powder brings depth, and parsley adds a fresh finish, making each bite a delight.

Butter (50 grams, chilled): Essential for creating a rich, creamy base. It adds a wonderful flavor and helps emulsify the sauce.
Cream (60 milliliters, about ¼ cup): Provides the luxurious texture and richness that makes this sauce so appealing.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons, about 30 milliliters): The star of the show, giving the sauce its bright and zesty flavor.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory note that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the lemon.
Parsley (2 teaspoons): Fresh or dried, it brings a touch of color and freshness to the sauce.

Making Quick Lemon Cream Sauce

Creating a delicious Quick Lemon Cream Sauce is easier than you might think. The microwave method makes it incredibly quick and simple. Follow these steps for a smooth and creamy sauce that will elevate any dish.

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need butter, cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and parsley. Place them in a microwave-proof bowl or jug. Make sure the butter is chilled for better emulsification.
Next, heat the mixture on medium power in the microwave. Do this in 20-second bursts. After each burst, take the bowl out and stir it well. This helps ensure that the butter melts evenly and integrates smoothly with the cream.
Keep an eye on the sauce. You’ll want to remove it when the butter is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and velvety. In my microwave, this generally takes about three bursts.
Be cautious not to overheat the cream. You don’t want to cook it; just warm it enough to melt the butter. If you see any bubbles forming, remove it from the microwave immediately.
Once your sauce is smooth, add in the lemon juice and garlic powder. Stir well to combine. The lemon juice adds that delightful tang that makes this sauce irresistible.
Finally, sprinkle in the parsley and give the sauce one last stir. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the rich sauce.
Your Quick Lemon Cream Sauce is now ready to serve! Drizzle it over your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables, and enjoy the burst of flavor!

Things Worth Knowing

Consistency: If your sauce turns out too thin, don’t worry. Allow it to cool slightly, and it will thicken up as it sits.
Flavor Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste. If you love a stronger lemon flavor, add a bit more.
Storage: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftover sauce, just warm it in the microwave in short bursts to prevent overheating.

Variations to Try

Although the Quick Lemon Cream Sauce is fantastic as-is, there are always ways to make it your own. Here are some variations to consider:

Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs such as basil or dill for a different flavor profile.
Spices: Experiment with spices like cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or paprika for a smoky touch.
Cheese: Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan for an added depth of flavor.
Vegetables: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a heartier sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Try this sauce over seafood like shrimp or scallops to enhance the natural flavors.
Different Bases: Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter version.

Serving Options for Quick Lemon Cream Sauce

Serving your Quick Lemon Cream Sauce is all about creativity! Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

Pasta Dishes: Drizzle over spaghetti or fettuccine for a light and creamy pasta dish.
Seafood Pairings: Serve it with grilled fish or shrimp for a refreshing complement to the meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Enhance grilled veggies by adding a spoonful of this sauce right before serving.
On Salads: Use as a dressing for a simple salad to elevate your greens.
Special Occasions: This sauce is perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings, making any meal feel special.
Seasonal Serving: In spring and summer, fresh ingredients paired with this sauce will be a hit!

FAQ

You can serve Quick Lemon Cream Sauce with a variety of dishes! It’s perfect over pasta, grilled chicken, or seafood. You can also drizzle it on roasted vegetables for a burst of flavor. It pairs exceptionally well with light, fresh ingredients, making it an excellent choice for spring and summer meals. Feel free to get creative and use it as a dressing for salads or to enhance your favorite appetizers!

While fresh garlic can offer a more robust flavor, I recommend sticking with garlic powder for this Quick Lemon Cream Sauce. The cooking time is short, and using fresh garlic might overpower the delicate lemon flavor. If you do choose to use fresh garlic, be sure to finely mince it and add just a small amount to keep the balance right. It’s all about enhancing the dish without letting any one flavor dominate the others!

If you have any leftover Quick Lemon Cream Sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to four days. When you’re ready to use it again, simply warm it up in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure it heats evenly. The sauce may thicken slightly upon cooling, but a little gentle reheating will restore the creamy texture!

Absolutely! The Quick Lemon Cream Sauce is fantastic for meal prep. You can make a batch ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and use it throughout the week. Just remember to reheat it gently to avoid overheating the cream. This makes it a great option for quick lunches or dinners when you need something homemade without much hassle!

Conclusion

The Quick Lemon Cream Sauce is truly a gem in the kitchen. Its bright, creamy flavor elevates any dish you pair it with, making it a versatile staple. I encourage you to give this easy recipe a try—it could just become your new go-to sauce for enhancing meals!

Quick Lemon Cream Sauce

Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Quick Lemon Cream Sauce. Creamy, tangy, and oh-so-easy to make, it’s the perfect companion for pasta or grilled dishes. Elevate your weeknight meals with this quick and delightful sauce that promises to impress!

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Course Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

Wooden Spoon
Whisk
Food Processor

Ingredients

50 grams Butter Chilled.
60 milliliters Cream About ¼ cup.
2 tablespoons Lemon juice About 30 milliliters.
½ teaspoon Garlic powder
2 teaspoons Parsley Fresh or dried.

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a small microwave-proof bowl or jug.
Heat on medium power for 20-second bursts in the microwave, stirring/whisking well after each burst, until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. In my microwave, this process takes 3 bursts.
You don't want to overheat the cream; you just want it warm enough to melt the butter. This will give you a thick sauce.
Serve.

Notes

Tip: This is a very simple recipe, so not much can go wrong.
Tip: If your sauce is very thin, it just means the cream got a bit hot; no worries, leave the sauce to cool and it will start thickening up.
Tip: Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Warm it with a couple of bursts in the microwave when you want to serve it again.
Tip: You can use garlic powder or garlic granules; fresh garlic is too strong for this recipe as the cooking time is short.
Tip: Fresh or dried parsley works fine.