Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base Recipe: Easy Copycat

Crafting a Hello Fresh cream sauce base recipe at home is a delightful way to add a restaurant-quality touch to your meals. I’ve found that a cream sauce can transform an ordinary meal with just a handful of ingredients. My approach focuses on simplicity and versatility, ensuring that the key ingredient, typically a dairy component like milk or cream, melds harmoniously with elements like butter and flour to create the perfect cream sauce. This foundation is not only easy to prepare but also serves as the perfect addition to a wide array of dishes.

The beauty of this Hello Fresh cream sauce base lies in its adaptability. Whether I’m drizzling it over freshly cooked pasta, spooning it atop succulent chicken, or using it to enhance the flavor of vegetables, the sauce always brings depth and richness to the plate. I’m confident in my ability to prepare this base efficiently, often whisking up the sauce while my main dish cooks, saving time and effort.

Over time, I’ve refined my technique to guarantee a smooth and creamy texture every time. I rely on my personal cache of tips and tricks for preventing common issues like lumps or separation, always aiming for that velvety consistency that makes HelloFresh cream sauce base a household favorite. While the core recipe calls for straightforward, readily available ingredients, I never hesitate to infuse it with my own creative twists, experimenting with various seasonings and additions to suit the meal at hand.

Ingredients List FOR HELLO FRESH CREAM SAUCE BASE RECIPE

In preparing the Hello Fresh cream sauce base recipe, I ensure my kitchen is stocked with the essential ingredients and tools required. Precision in measurement and proper technique are crucial for achieving the desired consistency and flavor.

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp butter: Serves as the fat base for the roux.
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
  • 1 cup of milk: Integrates with the roux for creaminess.
  • Salt: To enhance flavor.
  • Black pepper: For a subtle heat and flavor depth.

Optional Add-Ins may include parmesan cheese for a more complex flavor or fresh basil for an aromatic touch in dishes.

Optional Add-Ins

  • Fresh herbs: Like fresh basil, to garnish or infuse flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich and salty depth.
  • Onion powder: For extra onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions.

These ingredients are interchangeable depending on the dish, like a chicken recipe or tomato cream sauce, offering an extra dimension of flavor.

Cooking Tools Needed

  • Large pan: Essential for making sauces like alfredo sauce with enough space to mix ingredients.
  • Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing the base on medium heat.
  • Whisk: To combine ingredients smoothly and avoid lumps.

I always use the right size of pan; for instance, a large pot of salted water is necessary for pasta dishes that accompany the sauce.

Technique and Temperature Control

  • Medium heat: Crucial for cooking the roux without burning it.
  • Medium-high heat: Sometimes necessary for bringing the sauce together quickly.

Proper heat levels are important as they affect the texture and cooking time. For example, too high of heat can cause the base to burn, while too low can make the sauce runny.

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container to maintain its quality. These guidelines ensure a consistent and enjoyable cream sauce every time.

Let’s transform your pasta night with this mouthwatering Chicken Penne smothered in a copycat Hello Fresh cream sauce. By combining tender pasta and juicy chicken with a rich, delicious sauce, you’re in for a treat that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Let’s get started with our step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients:

  • Chicken breast
  • Penne pasta
  • Sour cream (the secret ingredient!)
  • A drizzle of oil
  • A mixture of butter (unsalted butter preferred)
  • White sauce base
  • Cup of flour
  • Whole milk and cup of heavy cream (for that creamy goodness)
  • Pasta sauces spice mix (Italian seasoning is a great choice)
  • Cup pasta cooking water
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • A drizzle of olive oil (for that golden brown perfection)
  • Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Herbs, Onion Powder (optional)

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before the magic happens, pat your chicken dry with paper towels for the best results. Then, get your pasta boiling in a pot of salted water. Remember, keeping your produce dry is key, so give those fresh vegetables a quick pat too.

Step 2: Cook Chicken to Golden Brown

Heat a drizzle of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season your chicken and cook until golden brown. For the best part, add a drizzle of olive oil for an extra layer of flavor. Once cooked, set the chicken aside, and let’s focus on creating that divine sauce.

Step 3: The Base

For a sauce that’s next level, start with a roux. Melt a mixture of butter in the pan, sprinkle in a cup of flour, and whisk until you’ve got a golden base. Slowly pour in cups of milk and a cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly for that silky texture.

Step 4: Secret Ingredient

Here’s where your sauce goes from good to great. Stir in sour cream, a versatile base for many quick meals and the secret ingredient for our delicious sauce. Don’t forget a pinch of Italian seasoning for that aromatic touch.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Add your chicken back into the pan, along with the cooked penne and a cup of pasta cooking water for that perfect accompaniment. Let it simmer, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully.

With proper techniques and a little love, you’ve just created a meal that’s sure to become the best part of your week. This chicken penne with a Hello Fresh cream sauce is just what you need!

Don’t forget to bookmark this sauce recipe for your next pasta night! 

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I’ll address some common queries about Hello Fresh cream sauce base, providing alternatives, homemade instructions, and suitable options for different dietary needs.

What can I use as an alternative to Hello Fresh cream sauce base when cooking?

If you don’t have Hello Fresh cream sauce base, you can use a combination of a regular béchamel sauce or heavy cream seasoned with herbs and spices to match your dish’s flavor profile. Check out this discussion on alternative creamy sauces.

How can I make a cream sauce base from scratch for pasta dishes?

To make a homemade cream sauce base for pasta, start with a roux of equal parts flour and butter, then gradually whisk in milk until the desired consistency is reached. For detailed steps, visit the guide on making a cream sauce from scratch.

Are there any reliable cream sauce base recipes that are similar to Hello Fresh’s version?

Yes, there are copycat recipes that closely resemble the Hello Fresh cream sauce base. They often involve simple ingredients like butter, flour, and milk, with variations in seasoning. Learn more about similar cream sauce recipes.

What type of cream is typically used in creating rich cream sauces for recipes?

Heavy cream, due to its higher fat content, is typically used for creating rich and thick cream sauces that add a luxurious texture to recipes.

For dietary needs, what cream sauce base options are available that maintain a similar taste and consistency?

For those with dietary restrictions, alternatives like coconut cream can be used as a substitute for dairy cream, and gluten-free flour can replace all-purpose flour to create a similar taste and consistency. Explore vegan cream sauce bases that fit such dietary needs.

What nutritional aspects should I be aware of when using a cream sauce base in my recipes?

When using a cream sauce base, be mindful of the calorie, fat, and sodium content, as these can be high due to the butter and cream. Opt for low-fat milk or cream alternatives and adjust salt to manage the nutritional impact of your cream sauce base.

NutrientAmountDaily Value %
Calories450 kcal22%
Total Fat22 g34%
Saturated Fat9 g45%
Trans Fat0 g0%
Cholesterol85 mg28%
Sodium390 mg17%
Total Carbohydrates35 g12%
Dietary Fiber2 g8%
Sugars3 gN/A
Protein25 g50%

Hello Fresh Cream Sauce Base Penne Pasta and Chicken

Recipe by kitcheneasylifeCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes

Creamy homemade sauce covers the tender chicken and al dente penne for an easy, yet elegant dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 chicken breast

  • 1 cup penne pasta

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • Fresh vegetables of your choice (optional)

  • 1 cup white sauce base

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 1 cup whole milk

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup pasta cooking water

  • Italian seasoning, to taste

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Prepare the Ingredients:
  • Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels.
  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
  • If using, prepare the fresh vegetables according to your preference (chop, slice, etc.).
  • Cook the Chicken:
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
  • Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Once cooled, slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  • Prepare the Roux:
  • In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  • Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, whisking continuously until a smooth paste (roux) forms.
  • Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  • Make the Cream Sauce:
  • Stir in the sour cream and reserved pasta cooking water into the roux. Mix well.
  • Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Combine and Serve:
  • Add the cooked penne, sliced chicken, and optional fresh vegetables to the sauce. Toss to combine and ensure everything is evenly coated.
  • Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Serve hot, drizzling with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if desired.

Craving more delicious recipes? Try our delicious Vegan Cashew Fruit Dip