Creamy Alfredo Sauce
This rich and velvety homemade Alfredo sauce is a simple yet decadent recipe made with just five ingredients. It’s perfect for any pasta dish and elevates your meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature works best
- 3 garlic cloves minced (fresh provides superior flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream full-fat for ultimate richness
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano
- Salt and pepper to taste start with a pinch of each
Instructions
- Melt the Butter:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat, taking about 2-3 minutes. Avoid browning the butter for a cleaner flavor.
- Infuse with Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the Heavy Cream:
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Incorporate the Parmesan:
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and velvety. This process should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Season to Taste:
- Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly and serve immediately with your favorite pasta.
Notes
If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a tablespoon or two of pasta cooking water. This sauce can be paired with grilled chicken, shrimp, sautéed vegetables, or roasted red peppers for added variety. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though it won’t be as rich.
