Best Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Best Alfredo Sauce Recipe is a creamy, rich classic that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen. Made with simple ingredients like butter, cream, and parmesan, it’s perfect for dressing up your favorite pasta dishes in just minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
• 1 clove garlic (minced, optional)
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, see notes)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you prefer no garlic, simply omit this step.
2. Step 2: Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper. Whisk continuously until a thick, golden paste (roux) forms, reducing heat if necessary to avoid burning.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes over a gentle simmer, stirring continuously. Avoid boiling.
4. Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese.
5. Step 5: Whisk off the heat for another minute until the sauce thickens. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately over cooked pasta such as fettuccine or penne. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a gluten-free option, omit the flour or use a gluten-free flour alternative.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce than pre-grated options.
• If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta cooking water or additional cream.
• Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warm note.
• Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. You may need to add a little cream or milk to loosen the sauce as it reheats.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Alfredo sauce without cream?

Traditional Alfredo sauce relies on heavy cream for its rich texture, but you can substitute with whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less creamy and may need additional thickening.

How do I prevent Alfredo sauce from breaking or separating?

Cook the sauce gently over low to medium heat and avoid boiling. Continuous whisking and using fresh ingredients help maintain a smooth texture. Adding cheese off the heat also reduces the risk of separation.

Best Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 64 reviews

This creamy and rich Alfredo sauce is a classic Italian-American favorite, perfect for dressing up your favorite pasta dishes. Made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this sauce is smooth, velvety, and packed with flavor. The optional flour creates a roux for added thickness and stability, making it ideal for creamy pasta meals or as a delicious base for other recipes.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon flour (optional, see notes)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

1. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you prefer no garlic, skip this step.
2. Add Flour and Seasonings: Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper. The flour will help thicken the sauce.
3. Create Roux: Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes a thick, golden-colored paste known as a roux. Reduce the heat as needed to avoid burning.
4. Add Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 4 to 5 minutes on a gentle simmer, making sure the sauce does not boil.
5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, then remove the skillet from heat.
6. Thicken Sauce Off Heat: Keep whisking the sauce off the heat for an additional minute until it thickens further. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to your taste.
7. Serve: Pour over cooked fettuccine, penne, or your preferred pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy.

Notes

• Omitting the garlic will yield a milder sauce flavor.
• The flour is optional but helps create a thicker, more stable sauce.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest texture.
• Avoid boiling the sauce to prevent curdling or separation.
• Butter can be salted or unsalted depending on your preference.

Keywords: Alfredo sauce, creamy white sauce, pasta sauce, Parmesan cream sauce, easy Alfredo sauce recipe