14 Creamy Garlic Dinners That Make a Busy Weeknight Feel Like a Night Out

There is something about a pan of silky, creamy garlic sauce that makes everyone wander into the kitchen to ask what smells so good. It is rich without being fussy, it works with almost anything, and it makes a plain Tuesday feel like dinner at a nice restaurant. These creamy garlic dinners cover chicken, fish, steak, pasta and even veggies, and each one comes with a small tip so your sauce stays smooth and never splits. Ready to find your new weekly favorite? Grab a skillet and let us start..

Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs With Spinach

Chicken thighs stay juicy no matter what, which makes them perfect for a creamy garlic sauce. You sear them until the skin is crackly and golden, then let them finish in a velvety sauce full of whole garlic cloves and fresh spinach. Mop up every drop with bread. Sauce tip: cook the garlic gently, because browned garlic turns bitter. Is this your kind of dinner?

You will need: 6 boneless chicken thighs (skin on if you can), 1 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 10 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups baby spinach, 1 teaspoon thyme, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper and thyme. 2. Sear skin side down in hot oil for 6 minutes, flip and cook 4 more, then set aside. 3. Lower the heat, add the butter and whole garlic cloves and cook gently 3 minutes until soft. 4. Add the broth, then the cream, and simmer 3 minutes. 5. Stir in the Parmesan and spinach. 6. Return the chicken and simmer 5 minutes until cooked through to 175°F.

Creamy Garlic Salmon With Spinach

This is the one people make once and then crave for a month. Pan seared salmon gets a golden crust, then rests in a silky creamy garlic sauce with Parmesan and wilted spinach. It feels like a restaurant plate but takes about 20 minutes. Sauce tip: lower the heat before you add the cream, because a hard boil is what makes cream sauces split. Rice, pasta or mashed potatoes underneath?

You will need: 4 salmon fillets, 1 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 5 garlic cloves, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup grated Parmesan, 2 cups baby spinach, 1/2 lemon, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning.

How to make it: 1. Season the salmon with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. 2. Sear in hot oil, skin side up first, 4 minutes per side, then set aside. 3. Lower the heat and melt the butter, then cook the minced garlic 1 minute. 4. Pour in the cream and simmer gently 3 minutes. 5. Stir in the Parmesan and spinach until wilted. 6. Return the salmon, spoon the sauce over and finish with lemon.

Garlic Cream White Fish Skillet

Cod and tilapia are mild, affordable and perfect for soaking up a buttery garlic cream. This skillet comes together in one pan, so it is ideal for nights when nobody wants to do dishes. A little Dijon in the sauce adds a gentle tang that keeps it from tasting heavy. Sauce tip: whisk a spoon of the hot sauce into the cream first if your cream is fridge cold. Do you prefer cod or tilapia?

You will need: 4 cod or tilapia fillets, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 tablespoon oil, 4 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 cup spinach, parsley, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Pat the fish dry, season and dust lightly with flour. 2. Cook in oil and 1 tablespoon butter, 3 minutes per side, then set aside. 3. Melt the rest of the butter and cook the garlic 1 minute. 4. Add the broth and scrape up the browned bits. 5. Stir in the cream and Dijon and simmer until slightly thick, then add the spinach. 6. Nestle the fish back in and top with parsley.

Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Over Rice

Shrimp cooks in about three minutes, which makes this one of the fastest creamy garlic dinners you can make. Plump shrimp get a quick sear in butter, then simmer for a minute in a garlicky cream sauce with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of red pepper. Spoon it over fluffy rice and dinner is on the table in 15 minutes. Quick poll: A) white rice, B) pasta, C) crusty bread, or D) cauliflower rice?

You will need: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled, 3 tablespoons butter, 6 garlic cloves, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1/2 lemon, parsley, salt, pepper, cooked rice for serving.

How to make it: 1. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. 2. Sear in 1 tablespoon butter for 1 minute per side and set aside. 3. Melt the rest of the butter and cook the garlic and pepper flakes for 1 minute. 4. Add the cream and simmer gently 2 to 3 minutes. 5. Stir in the Parmesan and lemon juice. 6. Return the shrimp for 1 minute and serve over rice with parsley.

Creamy Garlic Pork Chops

Pork chops can be dry and boring, but not when they finish cooking in a creamy garlic sauce. A hard sear gives them a golden crust, and the sauce keeps them juicy while they finish on the stove. A sprinkle of fresh thyme makes the whole kitchen smell like a cozy farmhouse. Sauce tip: use heavy cream, not milk, because the extra fat keeps it smooth. Bone in or boneless at your house?

You will need: 4 pork chops (1 inch thick), 1 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 6 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, salt, pepper, paprika.

How to make it: 1. Season the chops with salt, pepper and paprika. 2. Sear in hot oil 4 minutes per side and set aside. 3. Melt the butter and cook the garlic 1 minute. 4. Add the broth and scrape the pan, then add the cream and thyme. 5. Simmer 3 minutes and stir in the Parmesan. 6. Return the chops and simmer gently 5 minutes, until they reach 145°F inside.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Gnocchi

Soft little potato pillows in a cheesy creamy garlic sauce: this is comfort food in a bowl. Store bought gnocchi goes straight into the pan to get crisp edges, then gets tossed in a quick sauce made in the same skillet. Add a handful of peas or spinach if you want something green. Sauce tip: take the pan off the heat before adding the cheese so it melts smooth instead of clumping. Could you eat the whole pan?

You will need: 1 pound shelf stable or frozen gnocchi, 2 tablespoons butter, 4 garlic cloves, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup peas or spinach, black pepper, basil.

How to make it: 1. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and fry the gnocchi 5 to 6 minutes until golden. 2. Move them to a plate. 3. Melt the rest of the butter and cook the garlic 1 minute. 4. Add the cream and broth and simmer 3 minutes. 5. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the Parmesan, then add the peas. 6. Toss in the gnocchi, season with pepper and top with basil.

Garlic Cream Mushroom Steak Bites

Steak bites are a fun, budget friendly way to enjoy steak night, because a little sirloin goes a long way. The beef cubes sear fast and hot, then mushrooms soak up all the pan juices before everything gets wrapped in a rich garlic cream. Serve it with mashed potatoes or egg noodles. Sauce tip: let the mushrooms brown fully before adding cream so the sauce gets deep flavor. How do you like your steak cooked?

You will need: 1 1/2 pounds sirloin in 1 inch cubes, 8 ounces mushrooms, 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 5 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup beef broth, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Season the beef well. 2. Sear in batches in very hot oil, 1 to 2 minutes per side, and set aside. 3. Add the butter and sliced mushrooms and cook until browned. 4. Stir in the garlic for 1 minute. 5. Add the broth, Worcestershire, cream and thyme and simmer 3 minutes. 6. Return the steak and its juices and toss to coat.

Creamy Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan

Everything roasts together on one pan here, and the creamy garlic drizzle goes on at the end. Chicken thighs and baby potatoes roast until golden and crisp, then a quick stovetop sauce of cream, garlic and Parmesan gets poured over the whole thing. It is an easy Sunday dinner with weeknight effort. Who in your house always steals the crispiest potato?

You will need: 6 bone in chicken thighs, 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, pepper. Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter, 4 garlic cloves, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup Parmesan, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 425°F. 2. Toss the potatoes and chicken with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. 3. Roast on a sheet pan 40 to 45 minutes until the chicken reaches 175°F and the skin is crisp. 4. Meanwhile, melt the butter and cook the garlic 1 minute. 5. Add the cream, simmer 3 minutes and stir in the Parmesan. 6. Drizzle the sauce over the pan and top with parsley.

Silky Roasted Garlic Soup With Crusty Bread

Roasting garlic turns it sweet, soft and mellow, so this soup tastes rich and gentle, not sharp. Two whole heads roast in the oven, then get blended with potato, onion and broth and finished with a splash of cream. It is the kind of bowl that warms you up on the first cold night of fall. Sauce tip: add the cream at the very end and keep the soup below a boil. Would you dunk bread or eat it with a spoon?

You will need: 2 whole heads garlic, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 onion, 2 medium potatoes, 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon thyme, salt, pepper, crusty bread for serving.

How to make it: 1. Cut the tops off the garlic, drizzle with oil, wrap in foil and roast at 400°F for 40 minutes. 2. Cook the chopped onion in oil until soft. 3. Add the diced potatoes, broth and thyme and simmer 20 minutes. 4. Squeeze in the soft roasted garlic. 5. Blend until smooth. 6. Stir in the cream, season and serve with crusty bread.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta With Peas

This is the pantry dinner that saves the day. Penne cooks while a creamy garlic sauce comes together in a few minutes, and a cup of frozen peas adds color and sweetness. Kids love it, and it is easy to add leftover chicken or ham. Sauce tip: save a cup of pasta water, because the starch helps the sauce cling and stay smooth. Would you add chicken, bacon or keep it meat free?

You will need: 12 ounces penne or orzo, 3 tablespoons butter, 6 garlic cloves, 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, 1 cup frozen peas, 1/2 cup pasta water, black pepper, parsley.

How to make it: 1. Cook the pasta in salted water and save 1/2 cup of the water before draining. 2. Melt the butter and cook the garlic 1 minute. 3. Add the cream and simmer gently 3 minutes. 4. Add the peas for the last 2 minutes. 5. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the Parmesan. 6. Toss with the pasta, adding pasta water until silky, and top with pepper and parsley.

Creamy Garlic Scallops

Scallops feel fancy, but they cook in about four minutes. The secret is a very hot pan and very dry scallops, so they get that golden, caramelized crust. A quick creamy garlic sauce with a splash of lemon turns them into a date night dinner at home. If seafood is your favorite, you will love our fast and flavorful shrimp dinners too. Have you ever cooked scallops at home?

You will need: 1 pound large sea scallops, 1 tablespoon oil, 2 tablespoons butter, 4 garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chicken broth, 2/3 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1/2 lemon, chives, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Pat the scallops very dry and season them. 2. Sear in very hot oil for 2 minutes without moving them, then flip and cook 1 to 2 minutes. 3. Set them aside. 4. Lower the heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic 1 minute. 5. Add the broth and cream and simmer 2 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan and lemon. 6. Spoon the sauce onto plates, top with scallops and chives.

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Skillet in Garlic Cream

Even Brussels sprout skeptics change their minds with this skillet. Halved sprouts brown in bacon fat until crisp and sweet, then get tossed in a light garlic cream with Parmesan. Serve it as a side for roast chicken or pile it on toast with a fried egg for a cozy meatless Monday. Quick poll: A) love Brussels sprouts, B) hate them, or C) only with bacon?

You will need: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved, 4 slices bacon, 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup Parmesan, salt, pepper, pinch of nutmeg.

How to make it: 1. Cook the chopped bacon in a skillet until crisp and set it aside. 2. Put the sprouts cut side down in the bacon fat. 3. Cook 5 to 6 minutes until deeply browned, then stir and cook 3 more minutes. 4. Add the garlic for 1 minute. 5. Pour in the cream with the nutmeg and simmer 2 minutes. 6. Stir in the Parmesan and bacon and season.

White Bean and Kale Skillet With Garlic Cream

Cheap, filling and full of fiber, this skillet proves beans can be cozy. Creamy white beans and tender kale simmer in a garlicky sauce with a little cream and lemon, then get a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb topping. It is a great meatless dinner that costs just a few dollars. Sauce tip: mash a few beans into the sauce to thicken it naturally. Would you serve it with bread or over pasta?

You will need: 2 cans (15 ounces) cannellini beans, drained, 1 bunch kale, chopped, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 5 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 lemon, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper. Topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, 1 tablespoon butter.

How to make it: 1. Toast the breadcrumbs in butter until golden, stir in the Parmesan and set aside. 2. Warm the oil and cook the garlic and pepper flakes 1 minute. 3. Add the kale and cook until wilted. 4. Add the beans and broth and mash a few beans with a spoon. 5. Stir in the cream and simmer 3 minutes, then add lemon juice. 6. Season and top with the crunchy crumbs.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Pot Pie Skillet

All the comfort of chicken pot pie without the fuss of a bottom crust. A creamy garlic chicken and vegetable filling simmers right in a cast iron skillet, then gets topped with a sheet of puff pastry and baked until golden and puffed. It is the perfect ending for a cold fall week. So, which of these creamy garlic dinners are you making first: A) the salmon, B) the gnocchi, C) the steak bites, or D) this pot pie?

You will need: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded, 3 tablespoons butter, 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 5 garlic cloves, 1/3 cup flour, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup frozen peas, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 sheet puff pastry, 1 beaten egg, salt, pepper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 400°F. 2. Melt the butter in a 10 inch oven safe skillet and cook the onion, carrots and celery 6 minutes. 3. Add the garlic, then stir in the flour for 1 minute. 4. Whisk in the broth and cream and simmer until thick. 5. Add the chicken, peas, thyme, salt and pepper. 6. Lay the puff pastry on top, brush with egg, cut vents and bake 25 minutes until golden.