Description
This Best Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe is a rich and creamy sauce made from butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfectly seasoned and ready in just 15 minutes, it elevates any pasta dish with its smooth texture and indulgent flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley, this classic Italian sauce is easy to prepare on the stovetop and is ideal for a comforting, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt the butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it is gently bubbling, preparing the base for the sauce.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic, taking care not to let it brown.
- Add heavy cream: Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream while stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese: Reduce the heat to low, then gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce has a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season the sauce: Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or adjust to taste. Stir thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Serve and garnish: Immediately serve the Alfredo sauce over your favorite cooked pasta and garnish with 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley if desired, for a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best silky texture and authentic flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
- Do not let the garlic brown to avoid a bitter taste.
- Adjust cream thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a splash of cream if too thick.
- This sauce is best served immediately but can be kept warm gently on low heat with occasional stirring.
- For a lighter version, you may substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Gluten-free if served with gluten-free pasta.
