Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy homemade Alfredo sauce is rich, velvety, and packed with cheesy garlic flavor. It’s quick to make and perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta to create a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (1 pint)
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the butter, heavy whipping cream, and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
4. Step 4: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and continue whisking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Step 5: Toss the sauce with cooked pasta and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor—pre-grated cheese can result in a grainy texture.
• For extra richness, stir in a little grated romano cheese along with the parmesan.
• If the sauce thickens too much, thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more cream.
• Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or steamed vegetables to create a more substantial meal.

Storage

Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently, and add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Alfredo sauce without cream cheese?

Yes, you can use a combination of heavy cream and butter alone, but cream cheese adds extra creaminess and tanginess that enhances the sauce’s texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Cook the sauce over medium to low heat and whisk constantly to keep it smooth. Avoid boiling vigorously, which can cause the dairy to separate.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 129 reviews

This Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe is a rich and creamy Italian classic made from butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, garlic, and freshly grated parmesan. Perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, this sauce is easy to prepare on the stovetop and is ideal for pairing with your favorite pasta dishes for a comforting, indulgent meal.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (1 pint)
• 4 ounces cream cheese

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Cheese

• 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Whisk Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, and 4 ounces cream cheese. Whisk continuously until all ingredients have melted together smoothly.
2. Add Seasonings: Incorporate ½ teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper into the melted mixture. Continue whisking to blend the flavors well.
3. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce while whisking to ensure a smooth consistency without lumps.
4. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue whisking for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Serve: Toss the creamy Alfredo sauce with your favorite cooked pasta and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich and thick.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese is preferred over pre-grated for better melting and flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially salt and garlic, as parmesan cheese adds saltiness.
• This sauce is best served immediately; it thickens as it cools but can be gently reheated with a splash of cream or milk.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Alfredo Sauce, Homemade Alfredo, Creamy Alfredo Sauce, Italian Sauce, Pasta Sauce, Parmesan Sauce