Basil-Cream Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 cup unsalted chicken broth
  • ¾ cup half-and-half
  • 1 sprig fresh basil plus 2 tablespoons chopped, divided
  • 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour and garlic; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, whisking occasionally, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Slowly whisk in half-and-half. Add basil sprig and cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat; discard basil sprig. Stir in chopped basil, Parmesan, salt and pepper.