Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this rich, creamy sauce and why each ingredient matters.

For the Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter — Forms the rich base of the sauce and helps sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced — The star aromatic of the recipe, providing bold, savory garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
• 2 cups heavy cream — Creates the rich, velvety base essential to a proper cream sauce.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese — Adds nutty, salty, umami-rich flavor and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.
• ½ cup freshly grated Romano cheese — Contributes a sharper, more robust cheese flavor alongside the milder Parmesan.
• 2 oz cream cheese, softened — Adds extra creaminess and helps stabilize the sauce for a smoother texture.
• ½ cup chicken broth — Adds savory depth and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning — A classic herb blend that reinforces the Italian-inspired flavor profile.
• ½ tsp garlic powder — Reinforces the garlic flavor alongside the fresh minced cloves.
• ½ tsp onion powder — Adds subtle savory depth to the sauce.
• ½ tsp kosher salt — Enhances all the other flavors in the sauce.
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper — Adds a subtle, warm bite.

Optional Add-Ins

This recipe is easy to customize based on your preferences. Consider adding:

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick of heat)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for a touch of brightness)
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella (for an even gooier, stretchier finish)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for fresh, herbal color)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil (for a fragrant, slightly sweet note)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (for a warm, smoky undertone)
• Sautéed mushrooms (for an earthy, umami-rich addition)
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for a touch of tangy sweetness)