Creamy Tarragon Sauce

Posted on December 29, 2025

Modified: December 29, 2025

By yasin
A white spoon pours a rich, herb-speckled Creamy Tarragon Sauce into a white bowl, with blurred fresh herbs in the background.

Creamy Tarragon Sauce is a staple in my kitchen, a silky, fragrant delight that elevates even the simplest meals. I remember the first time I made it, the aroma of tarragon filling the kitchen and promising something special. Paired with a perfectly seared chicken breast, it was love at first bite. The flavor instantly transports me back to that cozy evening. If you’re looking for other great sauces, you should check out this Beef Au Jus.

What Makes This Creamy Tarragon Sauce So Special?

What I truly adore about this Creamy Tarragon Sauce is how quickly it comes together. With just 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, it’s a weeknight winner. The combination of fresh tarragon, garlic, and dry white wine creates a depth of flavor that tastes like it took hours to develop. It’s that simple elegance that keeps me coming back to this recipe time and again, a comforting flavor that never fails to impress. Also, the sauce is not as spicy as the boom boom sauce.

Ingredient Notes for Creamy Tarragon Sauce

For this Creamy Tarragon Sauce, fresh tarragon is non-negotiable. Its anise-like flavor is what makes the sauce so special. I also prefer using a good quality dry white wine, something I’d happily drink on its own, as it adds a lovely acidity and complexity to the sauce. Finally, fresh lemon juice really brightens up the sauce.

creamy tarragon sauce recipe
Creamy Tarragon Sauce 6
A white spoon pours a rich, herb-speckled Creamy Tarragon Sauce into a white bowl, with blurred fresh herbs in the background.
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Creamy Tarragon Sauce

A rich and flavorful Creamy Tarragon Sauce perfect for chicken, fish, vegetables, or pasta. Fresh tarragon infuses this sauce with a delicate anise flavor.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: French
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup Dry White Wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth low sodium
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Tarragon chopped
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp Black Pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step 1
  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  • Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate slightly.
  • Add chicken broth to the saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
  • Stir in the heavy cream and continue to simmer gently for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Be careful not to boil.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh tarragon, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Serve the Creamy Tarragon Sauce immediately over your favorite dishes. It pairs wonderfully with chicken, fish, vegetables, or pasta.

Notes

For a richer sauce, you can add a pat of butter at the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally. Do not boil when reheating.

Let’s Get Cooking: My Method

To make this Creamy Tarragon Sauce, I start by sautéing garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Then, I deglaze the pan with dry white wine, letting it reduce slightly. Next, I add chicken broth and heavy cream, simmering until the sauce thickens. Finally, I stir in fresh tarragon and lemon juice, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This is a fun recipe, not like the Gordon Ramsay pepper sauce.

creamy tarragon sauce pinterest
Creamy Tarragon Sauce 7

My Tips for the Perfect Outcome

Here are my go-to tips for perfect Creamy Tarragon Sauce every time:

  • Use fresh, high-quality tarragon for the best flavor.
  • Don’t skip the wine reduction step, as it concentrates the flavors beautifully.
  • Simmer the sauce gently to avoid scorching the cream.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially the lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

I love serving this Creamy Tarragon Sauce over grilled chicken or pan-seared fish. It’s also fantastic with pasta or as a dipping sauce for vegetables. For leftovers, store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If you like to make a lot of sauces, then you will love this mango habanero honey garlic sauce.

Is fresh tarragon essential for this recipe?

While dried tarragon can be used in a pinch, fresh tarragon provides a much brighter and more pronounced flavor that is characteristic of Creamy Tarragon Sauce. If using dried, use about 1 teaspoon in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh.

Can I use a different type of wine?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best in this Creamy Tarragon Sauce, as they add acidity without being too sweet. Avoid oaky or overly sweet wines. Chicken broth is also a great option.

What dishes pair well with Creamy Tarragon Sauce?

Creamy Tarragon Sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes, including chicken, fish, pasta, and vegetables. Try it over grilled salmon or tossed with fettuccine for a quick and delicious meal.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Creamy Tarragon Sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, and I truly hope it brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. If you try it, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think and see your creations in the comments below!

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