Homemade Alfredo Sauce is a rich, creamy, and indulgent sauce that’s perfect for pairing with pasta, vegetables, or even as a dip. Making Alfredo sauce from scratch is simple and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a recipe for making a classic, delicious homemade Alfredo sauce:
Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic:
- In a large saucepan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the Heavy Cream:
- Slowly add the heavy cream to the pan, stirring continuously. Allow the cream to come to a gentle simmer, but do not bring it to a boil. This will help thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
3. Add Parmesan Cheese:
- Once the cream is simmering, gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Season the Sauce:
- Season the Alfredo sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of milk or additional cream.
5. Simmer and Thicken:
- Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water (reserved from cooking the pasta) or milk to loosen it up.
6. Serve:
- Pour the homemade Alfredo sauce over cooked pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips:
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (not the pre-grated or powdered kind) gives the best flavor and texture for the sauce. It melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce.
- Add More Flavor: You can add a pinch of nutmeg, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the sauce. For an even richer flavor, try adding a little cream cheese or mascarpone cheese.
- Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick while sitting, you can always loosen it with a little extra cream or some pasta water when serving.
- Make Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a little extra cream if necessary to restore the smooth texture.
This Homemade Alfredo Sauce is the perfect creamy base for pasta dishes like Fettuccine Alfredo, and it’s also great on chicken, vegetables, or even as a topping for pizza. Enjoy!