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Best Alfredo Sauce 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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