by Alyssa Rivers
Alfredo Sauce is the most creamy and delicious homemade alfredo sauce that you will ever make! This is a tried and true recipe and you will agree that it is the best recipe out there!
This is my most popular recipe for a good reason! If you love alfredo as much as I do try this Creamy Garlic Shrimp Alfredo Pasta, Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta or Asiago Garlic Alfredo Pasta. 
Alfredo Sauce
I just had to post my favorite alfredo recipe that I have created here on the blog.
There are a few secret ingredients that set it apart from all of the rest.
If there is one thing I can always count on my family to eat it is my homemade alfredo sauce over pasta.
We recently had some company over for dinner and I made these Chicken Bacon Garlic Alfredo Roll Ups and they always are a huge hit!
This alfredo sauce is thick and creamy and the flavor is out of the world.
It is restaurant quality that you can make right at home!
What is Alfredo Sauce
Classic Alfredo Sauce is a simple but elegant creamy, white sauce that is commonly known to lay over pasta noodles.
It is made from butter, a type of cream and parmesan cheese.
Adding seasonings and cream cheese for a thickener I like to blend a rich, creamy sauce together that is simple and irresistible.
The end result of this mixture is satisfying to say the least!
What you need to make alfredo sauce
Simple ingredients for an elegant sauce that is a classic dish loved by all.
Alfredo Sauce just has a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
The best results comes from the ingredients. Using the freshest ingredients is key!
Fresh parmesan cheese grated off the block is one of those key ingredients.
This will create a smooth textured sauce rather than a grainy one.
Each of these ingredients melt and blend together so well creating a masterpiece!
- Butter: either unsalted or salted work for this alfredo sauce recipe.
- Heavy whipping cream: for a richer and creamy flavor heavy whipping cream is preferred over whipping cream.
- Cream cheese: this adds a nice thick consistency to your alfredo sauce.
- Minced garlic: for best flavoring use fresh garlic and mince it the best you can.
- Garlic powder: adds to the rich and garlic flavoring.
- Italian seasoning: brings on an Italian fill and blends all the seasonings together.
- Salt and pepper: just to taste!
- Grated parmesan cheese: using real parmesan cheese is best. Powdered cheese will create a grainy texture and does not melt through when heated.
How to make Alfredo sauce
Creating this master piece does take a little bit of time. We all know that it is worth it!
We love Alfredo sauce and it is a quick and easy sauce that can be made in minutes with these simple ingredients.
Enjoy alfredo sauce right when you need it!
- Whisk dairy ingredients together: In a medium saucepan add butter, heavy whipping cream, and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat and whisk until melted.
- Add and whisk seasonings: Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Continue to whisk until smooth.
- Stir in cheese: Add the grated parmesan cheese.
- Thicken your sauce: Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
- Toss with pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta!
Is Alfredo Sauce keto?
Yes! This is totally keto! I left out the flour and that makes this keto.
Crazy, I know! But such good news!
If you are following a low carb diet this can be a great recipe to enjoy while cutting back on other favorite meals.
Even though it is keto and considered a low carb recipe, it is still full on creamy, thick and rich alfredo sauce.
It will be like dessert in your mouth!
This easy to make Alfredo Sauce recipe will have you saying MMMMM and AWW, with every bite.
FAQ’s for making Alfredo Sauce
This alfredo sauce has delicious garlic flavor and Italian seasonings.
I like to add cream cheese to my alfredo for that extra creamy flavor and texture.
This alfredo sauce always gets raved about whenever I make it!
How to make Alfredo Sauce with milk instead cream?
Adding milk is always an option. This will be a lighter and less thick consistency but can work. Half and half is also another option instead of heavy whipping cream. To thicken it up a little more adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of flour to thicken.
How to make Alfredo Sauce thicker?
When adding cream cheese, slowly cut chunks of cream cheese as you are stirring. This helps create a thicker and creamier sauce. You can also use a roux by using an equal amount of butter to flour, about 1 teaspoon.
Is Alfredo Sauce gluten free?
This recipe is considered gluten free! It still has a great taste and all the fresh ingredients to make this just the way you like it with no substitutions.
Is Alfredo Sauce cheese?
This is a cheese based sauce that is rich in flavor. It does not harden like a cheese though.
Does Alfredo sauce have dairy?
There are substitutions to make this dairy free but I do not recommend it if you are looking for the authentic taste of Alfredo Sauce. Having dairy in this Alfredo Sauce recipe makes this rich, creamy and smooth when simmering.
Is Alfredo Sauce good with ground beef?
It can be done, but not recommended. Alfredo sauce goes best with a chicken, fish or pasta.
How Many Cups Does this Yield?
When you are done making your Alfredo Sauce you will be able to fill a tall canning jar. This is about 14 to 16 ounces (1 pound) of pasta or 2 cups of sauce. We like to reserve a little alfredo sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for making Alfredo Sauce
I think this sauce is even better than any restaurant that I have been to and the best part is that you can make it yourself!
It is thick, creamy, and rich and the perfect sauce on top of your favorite pasta.
I know that you will quickly agree that this is the BEST!
This will be a recipe that you make again and again, just like I do!
- Slowly add in your heavy whipping cream and cream cheese. This will enhance your flavors as well as thicken evenly throughout.
- Avoid separating your Alfredo Sauce when mixing it by whisking it together rather than stirring with a spatula.
- Parmesan cheese is the key ingredient for making this Alfredo Sauce thick and creamy. I recommend using a fresh parmesan cheese that you grate yourself or similar. Try to avoid using the powder or grated grated parmesan cheese in a tall can.
- The most important rule is not overheating your Alfredo Sauce. Slowly add ingredients on a low and for a short period of time. Melted cheese will break and separate once it gets too hot leaving your cheese clumpy.
- When simmering, a shorter amount of time is best. Around 1 minute, whisking it well.
- Do not boil or overheat. Boiling will separate and ruin the alfredo sauce.
- If you are worried about overheating, add your parmesan with the heat off. This will also precent clumping and separating the alfredo sauce.
Variations of alfredo sauce
There are many variations that can be done with Alfredo Sauce recipe.
Adding thickeners or making it more creamy and watery are great ways to adjust this Alfredo Sauce.
Substituting any dairy or cheese can have major changes to this alfredo sauce recipe though.
For best results, enjoy my delicious Alfredo Sauce recipe that is definitely a tried and true recipe that is pure perfection!
- Half and half or milk is great to substitute the heavy whipping cream.
- Grilled chicken, shredding rotisserie chicken or shrimp goes well with pasta.
- Add in more spices and seasonings like red pepper flakes or paprika for a sweeter and spicier Alfredo Sauce like this One Pot Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta.
- Use half Romano cheese or asiago cheese instead of parmesan cheese.
- Making your own fresh pasta instead of dry pasta tastes even more amazing.
Ways to use Alfredo Sauce
This alfredo sauce recipe comes together pretty easily and you will never go back to the jarred alfredo sauce again!
It is awesome on top of just about any pasta but is also delicious used as a dip or even spread on pizza.
You can’t go wrong where you add your Alfredo Sauce to!
- Pasta: Any pasta is great with Alfredo Sauce. The thicker and larger is best to soak up the rich, thick and creamy sauce.
- Pizza: Alfredo pizza is one of our favorites. We love the fresh and lighter taste this sauce has to offer. This Chicken Alfredo Pizza is a great use of Alfredo Sauce recipe. Making my Quick and Easy Dough for the crust is a great combination too.
- Dipping: We love to dip breadsticks or Miracle No Knead Bread. It is always so delicious and almost addicting it is so good!
- Casserole: I have several casserole dishes that work so well with this alfredo sauce. It is easy to make and add to a simple casserole. Try this Pesto Alfredo Chicken Casserole for your next main meal!
What to make with Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo sauce is a family favorite over here.
I know that I can make so many delicious recipes with this Alfredo Sauce.
Simple and basic recipes to a little more complex, this Alfredo Sauce recipe just does the trick!
Make this a complete meal with a few vegetables, garlic bread and a side salad.
- Grilled Asparagus
- Parmesan Roasted Vegetables
- Three Cheese Garlic Pull Apart Bread
- Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Skillet Potatoes with Peppers
How to store alfredo sauce
To make the perfect blend of Alfredo Sauce you will want to watch your cooking temperature and stirring well.
This will make the perfect alfredo sauce and reheating just a breeze.
Alfredo Sauce is a favorite in our home and I know that it does not last long, even if I double it!
Enjoy your Alfredo Sauce again and again when storing it properly.
- How long does Alfredo sauce last in the fridge: I like to pour my Alfredo Sauce in a jar and sealed in the refrigerator. For best results and continued flavoring it will last in the fridge for about 5 days.
- Can you freeze Alfredo Sauce: Unfortunately this Alfredo Sauce does not freeze well. Because of the freshness of it, it will separate when freezing.
- How to heat up Alfredo sauce: Slowly, is the key! Slow, low temperatures and stirring often. If it starts to separate, slowly stir it back together over low heat on the stove top. It is best not to microwave this sauce. It becomes more oily and separates just as easily, if not more. Once reheated, do not reheat again.
More delicious recipes using alfredo sauce
- Alfredo Pesto Tortellini with Sausage
- Chicken Broccoli Garlic Alfredo Shells
- Bacon Chicken Alfredo Pizza
- Skinny Fettuccini Garlic Alfredo
- Three Cheese Chicken Broccoli Alfredo
The Best Homemade Alfredo Sauce Ever!
Alfredo Sauce is the most creamy and delicious homemade alfredo sauce that you will ever make! This is a tried and true recipe and you will agree that it is the best recipe out there!
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream 2 cups
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a medium saucepan add butter, heavy whipping cream, and cream cheese. Cook over medium heat and whisk until melted.
Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, italian seasoning, salt and pepper. Continue to whisk until smooth. Add the grated parmesan cheese.
- Bring to a simmer and continue to cook for about 3-5 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Toss it with your favorite pasta!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Updated on October 24, 2019
Original Post on February 18, 2016
I made this last night and the family went gaga over it! They kept going back for more until it was gone like a freight train! Ha! I did use sour cream instead of cream cheese since it seems lighter and still delightful! Many thanks for a super flavorful alfredo!
I love ,love ,love this recipe , I add sliced grilled chicken and broccoli to mine. The only thing I changed is instead of grated Parmesan cheese I use shredded Parmesan cheese and that seems to cook better. Thank you for this wonderful recipe.
I would like to know if you can Pressure can this recipe. It is delicious and I would love to be able to go to the pantry and grab a jar for a super quick meal
I’ a Foodie who has owned restaurants, bars and catering for over 20 years. Simply put this is one of my favorites and definitely a keeper. Will be keeping an eye on your site.
I made this last weekend it is hands down the best I’ve ever had. Insanely good.
Best pasta alfredo ever!! I love my garlic so I go crazy with that!! I do have a question: If I put it on a crockpot on the lowest heat will that stay well?
Yes, stir it often though.
Hey I was wondering if you could use half and half instead of whipping cream?
It will alter the taste and texture but that will work well.
Of course !!! I’ve made it both ways. They both taste great. I do half whipping cream and half 1/2&1/2
I loved this recipe. It is my al time favorite alfredo sauce to make!
I used this recipe as part of a pasta bar at my daughter’s graduation party. We made a bunch of sauce a few days before the party, let it cool, then stored it in gallon sized zip bags in the refrigerator. We then reheated it slowly just before the party. It worked amazingly well! I was worried about how it would reheat and how it would keep in the server. It was a perfect consistency and we received a ton of compliments.
Would like to use for spinach lasagna. Will this recipe work.
Spinach lasagna is one of my favorites. Let me know how it works out!
This is the best ever. Taking it for a family Christmas party tomorrow. By request from the host. Because “it’s the best Alfredo she’s ever had.”
Be careful when using measures such as pint or quart. The terms mean different things depending on where you live. In the US a pint means 16 oz. Everywhere else it means 20 oz. In the US a quart means 32 oz. everywhere else it means 40 oz. The world has also gone metric with the exception of the US. there is no ambiguity with metric.
I LOVE this recipe, it is a flavorful and flexible recipe. It serves as a good base, where you can add more spices and protein. I’m so happy I found this on google, now I have something to make this Christmas.
I followed this recipe exactly, and the sauce came together well and has amazing flavor! I can’t wait to serve this as part of our Christmas meal! Thank you for sharing!
I added some lemon zest to mine for extra brightness and zing. It was AM-AZ-ING!
I’m going to make this because it has cream cheese in it. Yum.
This recipe does not disappoint. Every time I serve it everyone (and I mean everyone) asks for the recipe, and I happily share.
I just finished making and eating and there was no disappointment. Delicious ?
I never usually leave reviews but this recipe was too delicious not to! I’ve been craving Alfredo for the past couple of weeks and I stumbled across this recipe. The cream cheese made me nervous because I don’t like it usually, but I didn’t want to alter the recipe. I’m glad I didn’t because this was AMAZING! I added shrimp and it was so creamy and rich. And very easy to make!
Amazing!!!!!!! My all time favorite dish and now I can make my own sauce ??!!!!! Sooo creamy and rich !!!
I will be trying this recipe. Glad you add spices…most alfredo sauce is so bland.I like to top my pasta and sauce with ground Italian sausage. DEElish!
Awesome Recipe! The whole family gobbled up their dinner! This was my first attempt at Alfredo sauce and it didn’t disappoint! Thank you!
This was the most amazing sauce ever! I’ve made enough in my life time and this is my favorite one to make my family! This beats any restaurants recipe I’ve ever had!
I wish I could make this in big batches and can it – but it’s good to make in small batches too.
Add some broccoli and toss it over your favorite pasta along with some garlic bread… perfect meal
It’s my favorite Alfredo recipe, hands down!!! I’ve tried many and I’ll never try another. Thank you!!!
If I make a chicken Alfredo pasta bake with 12 oz of penne noodles, will there be enough sauce or would you recommend doubling the recipe?
I have made this several times and each time it has been a hit! I’ve added broccoli and cauliflower to mine and even added some “chicken of the woods” mushrooms to it and it all added to the flavor! I’ve even shared the recipe with friends and they all say the same thing! BEST ALFREDO EVER!!! Thank you for sharing and letting the rest of us enjoy this delicious meal!!!
Absolutely love this recipe. I send it out to everyone and tell them they’ll never buy jar Alfredo sauce again just like me haha. Thanks for sharing!
This is the only Alfredo recipe that I ever tried and never had a need to look for another! I’ve been making it for years and my family loves it! We will be having it tonight and I can’t wait!!
So, I made this sauce to go with bow tie pasta and chicken carbonara. I did cut down on the Italian seasoning, as a little goes a long way. The guys said it was the best sauce they’ve ever had! I must say – it was good! One asked where I got the recipe – I said off the internet.. my little secret!
This was so good and so easy. I didn’t have whipping cream so I used 18% cream. Also didn’t use the Italian seasoning as not everyone in this house likes those flavours. It was still excellent and will become a staple going forward.
We love this recipe at home and typically add broccoli! I never seem to make enough lol
I just got a Ninja Foodi for Christmas, do you know if this can be modified for a ninja foodi/instant pot and how? It would make this recipe even better if I could make it in one pot! Figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask! Thank you for this amazing dish!
That is awesome you received a Ninja Foodi for Christmas. I have heard great things about it. For this recipe it is best not made in an instant pot. It is best to make it over the stove top.
Thank you 🙂 I attempted it that night I posted and it was no where near the original lol lots of ingredient separation. Stove top it is! This recipe is so yummy! Thank you again!
I made this last night, I left out the Italian seasoning and added some onion powder and had sautéed shrimp with it, it was very good, Will definitely make it again
I absolutely love this Alfredo sauce, it truly is the best and I get excited every time I need to make it
Awesome recipe! I’ve tried others but I like this one most. I was kind of scared of all the heavy whipping cream because I doubled the recipe and i ended up leaving 1/3 of it and it still turned out great! The only problem was cooking it to long caused it to begin to seperate. Next time I will be more careful.
Perfection! (minus the cream cheese)
Cream cheese made it to sour. Italian spice too overpowering. Cut cream cheese in half and leave out Italian seasoning to make it more authentic l