Homemade Alfredo Sauce
This Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce made from simple fresh ingredients. Perfect for pasta, vegetables, or baked dishes, this quick and easy sauce brings authentic Italian trattoria flavor and velvety texture to any meal.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups sauce (serves 4) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Step 1: Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic — Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown for a smooth flavor foundation.
- Step 2: Add Cream and Simmer — Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly over 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Step 3: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese — Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating a perfectly glossy and creamy texture.
- Step 4: Season to Taste — Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting as you go. Adjust seasonings or add herbs if desired to personalize your sauce to perfection.
- Step 5: Serve Warm — Your Homemade Alfredo Sauce is now ready! Toss it immediately with hot pasta, coat steamed vegetables, or use as a luxurious drizzle over your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Keep heat low to prevent sauce from curdling or separating.
- Stir frequently to ensure smooth and even melting.
- Have all ingredients prepped and measured before cooking as the process is quick.
- Use unsalted butter for best control over seasoning and richness; avoid margarine substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Alfredo sauce, homemade Alfredo, creamy pasta sauce, easy Alfredo sauce, Italian sauce, Parmesan sauce, gluten-free sauce