Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This homemade Alfredo sauce is rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s perfect for drizzling over fettuccine or your favorite pasta for a comforting meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
- 12 oz fettuccine (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside if serving with the sauce.
- Step 2: Melt butter in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Once melted, slowly stir in the heavy cream.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic to the mixture. Gradually whisk in the shredded Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Step 4: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Serve the Alfredo sauce over cooked pasta and optionally pair it with grilled chicken for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or Italian herbs for additional depth.
- To make it gluten-free, serve over gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables.
Storage
Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat while stirring to prevent separation. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it gently before serving, adding a little extra cream if needed for smoothness.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of milk and butter, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Using whole milk with a tablespoon of butter per cup works well as a simple alternative.
PrintHomemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe
This creamy and rich Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe delivers a classic Italian favorite made from scratch. With simple ingredients like butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this sauce is perfect for tossing with fettuccine or other pasta. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be paired with grilled chicken for a delicious, comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
Optional Ingredients for Serving
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- Grilled chicken (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Melt Butter and Add Cream: In a saucepan over low to medium heat, melt the butter slowly. Once mostly melted, gradually whisk in the heavy whipping cream to combine smoothly.
- Add Garlic and Cheese: Stir in the minced garlic, then slowly add the shredded Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to incorporate the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Serve: Optionally, toss the sauce with the cooked fettuccine pasta. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken.
Notes
- You can adjust the salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a few extra minutes while stirring frequently.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese works best for melting and texture.
- This sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated up to 2 days and gently reheated.
- To make it lighter, consider substituting half-and-half for heavy cream, though it will be less rich.
Keywords: Alfredo sauce, homemade Alfredo, creamy pasta sauce, Parmesan sauce, Italian sauce, fettuccine Alfredo, garlic cream sauce
