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
Amazing Alfredo sauce! Stayed true to the recipe and it is DIVINE!!
My husband loved it! I did too cause it was so easy to make and it’s one I can remember by heart!
Thank you
I am starting to cook and this would be a good idea to try. I love Pasta with Alfredo sauce and I guess this is a good time to try making some.
Made this for the second time and added broccoli! LOVE
This was a great recipe I use all the time . My only problem was gritty . I had a gritty texture but mixed with pasta and veggies it was fabulous
Try grated Parmesan, or better yet, Pecorino Romano. I’ve been making fettuccine Alfredo for about 40 years, and this is very similar to the one I learned when I was 16 working at an Italian restaurant. The biggest thing that I can tell everyone is to watch your heat, you’ll curdle the cream and butter with too high of a heat, so keep it down and continue to stir or whisk until everything is incorporated and melted as Allyssa said.
The original Alfredo does not have garlic, but I have always added garlic as she does. I haven’t added cream cheese yet, so I think I’ll try it! One last thought, maybe the Italian seasoning is adding the grit? I’ve never added that before, just ground pepper, as the cheese has enough salt to carry it through.
The tips and recipe for this Alfredo Sauce are absolutely the best. I want to marry you. Oh, I already have the perfect wife. Seriously you are a Saint.
You’re the best indeed! I followed your Recipe for making Alfredo sauce with a twist since I used part pecorino cheese and of course, parmesan cheese. I also used half of the cream cheese block with Irish butter. I used the sauce for seafood fetucini. It is an awesome treat, thanks to you, Alyssa!
My goodness. Made this for the first time tonite. Followed the recipe exactly, simple to put together but soooo delicious and rich. Used it over spinach fettuccine, slices of Beyond Sausage, sautéed mushrooms, and some broccoli. The sauce was perfect, better than in a restaurant. My husband couldn’t get enough of it, he loved it. Thank you for this wonderful recipe! 😋
You’re the best indeed! I followed your Recipe for making Alfredo sauce with a twist since I used part pecorino cheese and of course, parmesan cheese. I also used half of the cream cheese block with Irish butter. I used the sauce for seafood fetucini. It is an awesome treat, thanks to you, Alyssa!
Best alfredo sauce I’ve ever made. I always get compliments on it! Thank you.
Sorry but I found this sauce far too thick. But thank you you pointed me in the right direction.
Actually found it still a bit thick even after omitting the cream cheese but adding just a bit of 3% milk got it right were I wanted it. Probably less than a quarter cup. Sorry didnt measure.
The result. Fabulous !!!
This is my go-to recipe for Alfredo that I have been using for years. Not sure where I first saw it. I usually use salted butter and increase the salt to 1/2 tsp. I found it bland if I followed the original recipe. I also usually add more Parmesan than the recipe calls for. This helps thicken it more and gives it more cheesy flavor.
Roughly how much in ounces does 1 batch make? I’m trying to make this bulk to can it.
About 16 ounces, a jar full.
Best Alfredo sauce! Most I have made are very bland and don’t have much flavor. Even my hard to please husband really liked it. I’ll use this again! Maybe add chicken or lobster. I used it over ravioli and loved it.
I grew up on Alfredo sauce made from packets and I will never go back to them! This recipe is very simple, fast & delicious. My whole family absolutely loves it. I’ve never made it using cream though, I’ve used whole milk and other times I’ve used half and half. it’s obviously much thinner using milk, but it tastes so good we don’t mind. Plus there’s always left overs & by the next day the sauce absorbs & thickens. I’ve tried a few other Alfredo recipes and was always disappointed. This one has so much flavor. Try it, you won’t regret it.
The name for this Alfredo sauce is spot on!! It is THE best Alfredo sauce ever! I’ve been making this for my family for about a year and they absolutely love it. This last time I found some homemade fettuccine noodles, and it was amazing. Thank you soooooo much for sharing this award winning recipe!
Been making this recipe for a while. I use light cream and a little less cream cheese .
I also sautés baby Bella mushrooms and add ham cut into very tiny cubes and add to recipe . My family can’t get enough.
I made this for my Granddaughter’s 21st Birthday dinner….she loves Alfredo! I prepared some with sautéed chicken and some with sautéed shrimp and the family absolutely loved it! The only change I made was using a creamier European butter. Thank you! It was out of this world!
Will never order Alfredo sauce from a restaurant again. This is better, and so easy. So happy I found this website! Will try shrimp and grits next.
Hi,
We just love this sauce. I recently started making my own pasta as well. My adult kids have asked for the recipie and I refuse to give it to them for FEAR of not being invited back for supper again LOL.
I was wondering if you can double this recipe or it best to make one batch at a time.
I never leave reviews but I had to for this one. This is by far the best tasting Alfredo recipe. My whole family loves it even my picky two year old. Thank you for such a great recipe.
This recipe was excellent! My husband and kids are SUPER picky and they all loved it!! Thank you 🙂 I will definitely make this again
Hi,
I love this sauce and wouldn’t change it for the world. Your right , reheating on high separates the cream and tastes like hell.
I need your expertise .
… I plan to make fresh home made cannelloni and it calls for a mixture of Alfredo sauce and tomato sauce as a topping. Im wondering if this recipe will separate the cream if I bake it ? Would substituting 1/2 & 1/2 resolve this issue . Thanks
Tony
The star rating isn’t working,anyway, this is great! Easy and tastes fantastic!! Thank you for sharing I will Be making this again and again.
Add me to the growing legion as a fan of your recipe. For way too long I would strictly follow the recipes that were touted as being the ONLY authentic Alfredo….the ones where you just emulsify butter with high quality Parmesan. These pastas were good enough, but never gave me the same feelings as when I was a kid, enjoying restaurant Fettuccine Alfredo. I made your recipe for the first time last night, and instantly, I was that happy kid again. Let anyone say that “cream cheese” is totally a no-no for true Alfredo…I believe this allows the sauce to remain creamy and emulsified. Anyway, last night I mixed in some cooked chicken thigh, and was in heaven. My next iteration will be your sauce, and then shower crispy bacon over the dish. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this!
I tried it this past weekend. It is indeed…hands down…the best alfredo sauce I’ve ever tasted. My daughter wanted chicken in it for her birthday, but it didn’t need anything in it. Just a vegetable or a salad and garlic bread if you want to. Broccoli would be a good vegetable. Thank you so much for sharing.
I made this last night..Amazing is all I have to say…best recipe..ever
I have been using this recipe for a while now. However, more recently, I have noticed something has changed. What is different from the first time this was published? It doesn’t seem as flavorful as it once was.
I have not changed anything to the recipe. I have only updated photos and my writing structure. Still the same!
I rarely comment on recipes but I’ve made this now 4-5 times and it is INSANELY good, best Alfredo I’ve ever tasted. My whole family loves it- and it is SO easy to make. Followed the recipe exactly each time.
Love the recipe! It is amaaaazing
I’ve been using this recipe for quite a while now, and refuse to make my alfredo sauce any other way! I absolutely love this recipe ❣ and so do my friends and family… Best ever!!!!
Great. Followed recipe exactly but did a tad less of cream cheese and used half and half instead of heavy cream. Glorious. Added chicken and broccoli.
Really good! First time making Alfredo sauce and it was great! I will make again, thank you!
Made it tonight and came out great. Thanks for sharing it with us.
This was my first time making alfredo sauce, and I served it over fettuccine. The sauce was awesome! I followed the directions exactly, and it was very easy to make. The flavor was rich and creamy. The garlic and Italian seasoning add a nice amount of flavor. This will be my go-to alfredo sauce!
Thank you so much for this easy, delicious alfredo recipe! I’m looking too create a variety of dishes for my family and this was an absolute hit! I will no longer look to the restaurants to satisfy my desire for creamy alfredo pasta.
Yummmmm made this one tonight for dinner and it’s a keeper. I had it on zoodles (keto) and my partner (carb-aholic) had it on regular pasta. We did a bite-for-bite trade taste test and it was excellent with both. He even said he’d happily eat it with zoodles next time! The sauce def carries itself; regular pasta isn’t required to make it still be great. Only change is that I cooked it a bit longer since we like thick Alfredo. Thank you!
I’ve been using this recipe forever and love it! The only thing I change is using half heavy cream and half whole milk and I always add a little bit of nutmeg. Family favorite!
Hello Alyssa!
I spell my daughter’s name same way as yours. In any case, I had half a brick of cream cheese left over from a previous recipe and was perusing Alfredo sauces on various blogs and came to see yours. I am living alone now ,, kids are away , and I halved every thing in your original recipe except for one thing… I used one half cup of heavy cream and one half cup of half and half, which already has a component of heavy cream. The cream cheese gave the sauce a different dimension and when I tell you, I am Italian ,so I wanted to see how the cream cheese would be a different taste. It worked fine. I did not use the minced garlic just the powder. The finished sauce was divine and I have a bag of shrimp , deveined and uncooked , which I will make for a guest soon and use over fettucine. I am sure I will use the full recipe as printed but still keep to the half ratio of heavy cream and half and half. Great recipe and the Italian herbs give it a nice punch. Thank you!!
Seriously delicious in every way with no tweaks!
Wish I could add a picture!!
This was wonderful! I enjoyed the recommendation of paprika as it sweetened it up. I was thinking about adding pancetta the next time to give it a little bit of saltiness and texture. If anyone has tried adding pancetta or bacon crumbles please let me know what the outcome was. Overall, very nice! Kudos!
It’s the absolute best recipe ever for Alfredo sauce! Way better than
restaurants Fettuccine. I’ve made it several times now and everyone loves it! I was wondering how much a serving size is, it shows the calories but not the serving size.
Our family really loves this recipe and I make it at least once every two weeks. I added more minced garlic, an extra ounce of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of Romano cheese and 1/8 tsp of nutmeg. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Just made this recipe for my daughter who orders Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and broccoli when we go out to eat. She is a picky eater and she loved it. I will be making this regularly to have on hand for her. I don’t eat carbs so I just tasted a bit of the sauce with some broccoli and I found myself going back and forth dipping broccoli bits in the sauce over and over. I made this tonight with Chicken, broccoli and sautéed mushrooms. Cooked everything separately then mixed each portion with the different components in a big bowl before serving because my son hates mushrooms. Very simple and inexpensive meal. Next time I will make some spaghetti squash for myself. We made 4 servings and there is still plenty of sauce left.
This is the best Alfredo sauce ever. My go to!!! Thanks for sharing 🤗
I lost a lot of my recipes while cleaning my computer, and this is one recipes that was deleted! I am so happy I was able to find this recipe! I WILL never use canned Alfredo sauce again!
One word
Three syllables
AMAZING!!!
So delicious