Melt the butter - Add butter to a saucepan over medium-low heat and allow it to melt gently.
Cook the garlic - Add minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown it.
Add the cream - Pour in the thickened cream and gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the Parmesan - Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
Season the sauce - Add black pepper and taste before adding salt, as Parmesan is naturally salty.
Adjust the consistency - If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Serve immediately - Toss through cooked pasta, spoon over chicken, or use as a creamy sauce for vegetables and pasta bakes.
