Description
Learn how to make a rich, creamy, and easy homemade Alfredo sauce from scratch in just 10 minutes. This simple pasta topping uses classic ingredients for a flavor that beats any jarred version.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully melted. This step is key for a creamy white pasta sauce.
- Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Remove the sauce from the heat immediately once smooth. If you are using this for Fettuccine Alfredo, toss immediately with hot, drained pasta.
Notes
- For the richest flavor, use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cheese, whisk in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.
- This recipe is a simple pasta topping; for a richer sauce, some cooks add a small amount of cream cheese, but this classic version relies on butter and cream.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 21
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 110