Last Updated on February 1, 2025 by Karen
This easy Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base recipe is a versatile, creamy base that can elevate a variety of dishes with simple ingredients and delicious flavor.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a creamy pasta dish or a comforting chicken recipe from Hello Fresh, you’re likely familiar with their signature cream sauce base. With its rich texture and subtle flavors, it’s the perfect accompaniment to so many meals. The good news is you don’t need to wait for your next meal kit delivery to experience this delicious sauce—you can easily recreate it at home with just a handful of ingredients! Whether you’re making pasta sauces, dipping sauces, or creamy base dishes, this simple recipe will elevate your meals in just a few easy steps.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of making your very own Hello Fresh-inspired cream sauce base. It’s a versatile base that can be adjusted with different optional add-ins to take it to the next level. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special home-cooked meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make This Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base Recipe
Butter: The purpose of butter in this cream sauce recipe is to provide richness and create a smooth, velvety base for the sauce. When melted, butter combines with flour to form a roux, which helps thicken the sauce and gives it a creamy, luxurious texture. It also adds a slight savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce. Butter helps the sauce emulsify and ensures a smooth consistency without any lumps. Additionally, the fat content in butter contributes to the creamy mouthfeel of the finished sauce. I like to use unsalted butter so I can adjust the salt level. If you don’t want to use butter, you can substitute with olive oil.
All-Purpose Flour: The key ingredient for creating a roux, which thickens the sauce. It helps the cream to thicken and form a smooth, creamy texture. If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Milk: The main liquid for the sauce, giving it its creamy base. Whole milk is ideal for a rich texture, but you can use low-fat milk or even coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
Salt and Pepper: These are your basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the sauce. Salt adds depth, while freshly ground pepper provides a slight kick. Adjust the seasoning to taste, depending on your preference.
Garlic Powder: This is an optional add-in to elevate the flavor with a hint of savory depth. You can skip this if you prefer a more neutral flavor or use fresh garlic for an even bolder taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Cream Sauce
Melt the Butter
Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. This will form the base of your creamy sauce.
Create the Roux
Once the butter has melted, add the all-purpose flour to the pan and whisk it constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. This step helps the sauce thicken and become creamy. The roux should not have any lumps, so make sure to stir well.
Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. This will prevent air bubbles from forming and ensure a smooth texture. Keep whisking until the mixture is completely combined.
Simmer and Thicken
Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will gradually thicken to your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little more milk to thin it out.
Season the Sauce
Add salt and pepper to taste. If you’re using garlic powder, sprinkle it in at this point. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Serve
Once the sauce has reached the perfect consistency, remove it from the heat and serve it immediately as a topping for pasta, chicken, or vegetables. You can also store it in an airtight container for future use.
Ways to Serve This Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base
This Hello Fresh-inspired cream sauce base is incredibly versatile. Here are some of the best ways to use it:
Pasta Dishes: Pour it over your favorite pasta for a creamy Alfredo-style sauce. Add some Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano for a richer flavor or fresh herbs for extra depth.
Chicken Recipe: Use it as a sauce for grilled or baked chicken. This creamy base will add moisture and flavor to any chicken dish.
Vegetable Dishes: Drizzle over roasted vegetables for a comforting, creamy addition to your meal.
Dipping Sauce: This sauce makes a perfect dipping sauce for bread, fries, or even crispy chicken tenders.
Pasta Sauces: You can never get enough pasta sauces to have in your back pocket! The cream sauce can be easily transformed into a flavored Alfredo sauce by adding seasonings like sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, cheese, or even some white wine for a richer flavor.
Tips & Variations for this Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base
Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less milk or cook it for a longer time. For a thinner consistency, add a little more milk or a splash of pasta cooking water.
Optional Add-Ins: You can easily customize this cream sauce by adding Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor, Italian seasoning for a herby twist, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
For Vegan or Dairy-Free Versions: Use coconut milk or another non-dairy milk and substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative to make a dairy-free version.
Make it Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, consider adding a little bit of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese at the end.
How Long Does This Sauce Last?
If stored properly, this Hello Fresh-inspired cream sauce will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure it is kept in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
How to Store Leftover Sauce?
To store leftover cream sauce, transfer it to an airtight container once it has cooled to room temperature. Place it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for several days. Be sure to label the container with the date, so you know when it was made.
Can You Freeze It?
Freezing can affect the texture of the cream sauce. When cream-based sauces like this one are frozen, the fat and water in the sauce can separate upon thawing, which may lead to a slightly grainy or separated texture. However, this can often be fixed by gently reheating the sauce on low heat and stirring it constantly to help bring the ingredients back together. If you notice separation, you can also try whisking in a little bit of milk or cream to restore its smooth consistency.
While the texture might not be as perfect as when the sauce is freshly made, the flavor should remain largely intact. If you plan on freezing the sauce, be sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Easy Copycat Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor
Instructions
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste (roux). This helps thicken the sauce.
- Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little more milk to reach your preferred texture.
- Season the cream sauce with salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder for added flavor. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Use the cream sauce base immediately as a topping for pasta, a sauce for chicken, or as a creamy drizzle over vegetables or other dishes.
This Easy Copycat Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base is a simple, creamy sauce that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. It’s made with just a few main ingredients but can be transformed with optional add-ins to suit your taste. Whether you’re making pasta sauces, creamy chicken recipes, or vegetable dishes, this versatile sauce is sure to elevate your next home-cooked meal.
