Name: Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Introduction

This homemade Alfredo sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Made from simple ingredients, it’s perfect for dressing up any pasta dish and impressing family and friends with ease.

A clear glass jar filled with a creamy, thick beige sauce speckled with small black and brown bits, with a wooden spoon lifting some sauce above the jar showing its smooth, slightly chunky texture; the jar sits on a white marbled surface surrounded by green parsley leaves and light yellow chunks of cheese, with a soft brown cloth and small blurred bowls in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Add the unsalted butter, heavy whipping cream, and cream cheese to a medium saucepan. Whisk over medium heat until all the ingredients have melted and are well combined.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Gradually add the freshly grated parmesan cheese while whisking. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and keep whisking for 3-5 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Remove from heat and toss immediately with your favorite cooked pasta. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk, but keep the cream cheese to maintain creaminess.
Add fresh parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness.

For a garlic lover’s version, increase the minced garlic to 1 teaspoon or add a dash of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.
If sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water or extra cream while tossing with pasta.

Storage

Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat while stirring frequently, adding a little milk or cream to restore its creamy texture if needed. Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent separation.

How to Serve

A clear glass jar is filled almost to the top with creamy, light beige sauce speckled with small black and green herbs. A wooden spoon lifts some sauce out of the jar, with the sauce slowly dripping back in, showing its thick and smooth texture. The jar sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by a few pieces of pale yellow cheese, a small green parsley sprig, and a brown cloth on the side. In the blurred background, there are two small white bowls holding spices. The image captures a close-up view with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 slowly over low heat and whisk in a little milk or cream to refresh its texture before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different texture, or omit it entirely and increase the butter and parmesan slightly to maintain richness.