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 Notes
Updated on October 24, 2019
Original Post on February 18, 2016
Absolutely love this recipe, it’s one of our all time favorites in our home!! I am having a large group coming over and want to make it but 6 times the recipe, I don’t wanna have it break up tho with all of the butter/cream/cream cheese. Any suggestions on making it??
I would just make two pots of it with it 3 times in each pot if you can. That way you can even serve it that way too at the tables. Hope that helps!
You say this makes 4 servings? How big is each serving? I’m trying to figure out how much bigger I should make this for my family
This will feed about 4 to 6 grown adults. A serving is about a cup. Hope that helps!
My son’s loves when I make chicken Alfredo and that was with the jar sause. I one day decided to make the sause homemade and found this receipt. Now when ever I ask the family what they would like for dinner he yell Chicken Alfredo and for days after will tell people how great his mom’s Alfredo is…
I don’t understand what happened but mine is all curdled 🙁
Sometimes cooking it on high heat will make that curdled. When reheating you will want to warm slowly and stirring frequently.
I’ve made this recipe a few times. It is absolutely the best! Super delicious! My son loved it. We had it for dinner two days in a row and no complaints. I will never have a store bought Alfredo sauce again. Thank you!
I subsubstituted half the cream cheese with firm tofu because I didn’t have enough cream cheese, and used garlic powder instead of minced onions. Put in blender then heated in a pan rather than following the instructions, because my brother, who is a great cook, told me I needed to blend the tofu before cooking it.
Ended up great! A little garlicky, but that is my fault. That didn’t make it unenjoyable, though.
Hey! What is nutritional info? I am keto so need to keep track.
I like to use skinny taste.com or myfitnesspal.com for any nutritional information. Hope that helps you too!
OMG- this recipe is so delicious – restaurant quality and was the most amazing Alfredo sauce ever made. Treat your taste buds and try this recipe, not only is it awesome but so easy! You will not be disappointed. Everyone loved it!
I made this delicious 😋
I added two beaten eggs to the cream before not adding to the pot
Will definitely make his again !!!
if you add bacon or pancetta and an egg you will have carbonera
Let me just say this is the MOST AMAZING Alfredo Sauce that has ever laid upon my tastebuds! WOW just WOW…. this is better that any other alfredo sacue I have ever had (I will never eat another Alfredo sauce again it has al een ruined for me form this day on.), most certainly AMAZING utterly to totally AMAZING.
That Alfredo sauce recipe is amazing! The cream cheese added a great flavor to it!
This sauce is very similar to mine. The biggest diference is that I use garlic cream cheese I get drom our local dairy. Other than that it’s a perfect match.
For a spicier twist, add two tablespoons of cajun seasoning, or more as you please.
First of all, I’m impressed that you answer the folks that comment~!! I’ve seen so many that don’t 🙁 I’m going to try this tomorrow for a “late” Easter dinner of lamb loin chops, homemade cavatelli, fresh asparagus, broccoli and sweet potatoes. I think the sauce will be great on everything… even the lamb… but I’ll be conservative and just put it on the cavatelli and maybe the green vegg
Hi Alyssa, First of all, I’m impressed that you actually respond to visitor’s comments! Sadly, not many do. I’m going to try this tomorrow and I’ll let you know how it goes 🙂 Hope you had a wonderful holiday.
Theresa
UGH! I wish I could edit that comment!~ I decided not to give so much detail and leave that for after I made it~~ !!!!
Do I use Italian seasoning mix out of packet like you would use for making Italian dressing or regular dry Italian seasoning that you sprinkle from a bottle?
You will use the Italian seasoning that you sprinkle from a bottle.
I’ve tried several homemade alfredo sauces. They were all a disappointment. This recipe, however, was AMAZING!!!!! This is our new favorite sauce. I used to make a meal with alfredo once every 2-3 weeks, now we use this recipe at least once a week! (Even though it’s so fattening haha we can’t help it!)
Thank you so much for posting this! My whole family loves it!
That is so great to hear! Thank you for sharing!
Can this be made a day in advance or will it become Grainy and separate?
You can make this a day in advance. You will want to slowly reheat it over the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Can you make this the day before? What is the best way to reheat.
Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Reheat slowly and on low over the stove top, stirring. You do not want to overheat or it will separate.
Easy and delicious! Definitely a keeper.
Without a doubt the best alfredo sauce I’ve ever tasted. The best part of this recipe is that it’s so easy to make. Everyone in my family raved about it. Thanks for such a wonderful recipe.
Nutritional information? Caleb’s, mainly. Thanks!’
Sorry, I meant CARBS.
I like to use skinnytaste.com or myfitnesspal.com for any nutritional information. Hope that helps you find what you are looking for too.
…Seriously… the best sauce ever. So easy to make!
This is my favorite Alfredo sauce I have used this recipe over and over ..
How much fettuccine pasta should I buy for this?
Our family of 6 uses about 1 pound (a box). Hope that helps!
I love this recipe. I have made it several times exactly as writen. It’s so easy and a great sauce. The whole family request this for dinner on a regular basis. Thank you for freeing us from bitter jarred Alfredo sauce.
Thank you for the recipe! It is awesome in my family loves it! This is now the only sauce that I make for my pasta 🙂
Best receipt ever ! This is my Alfredo sauce for the rest of life now !
This was truly the BEST alfredo sauce that I have ever made! So creamy and delicious! I pour it over fettuccine, chicken, and sauteed peppers and onions. Great meal!
This is the best Alfredo sauce ever! Better than any restaurant or store bought Alfredo sauce. My family loves it, and they request it frequently. I double the recipe so I have enough sauce for two meals, then I just change up the pasta and the protein choice. Thank you for sharing this easy to make family favorite!
Does anyone happen to know what change, if anything, by adding the cream cheese in after everything else started simmering, as opposed to with the cream beforebuts hot? I made this recipe and me and my mom liked it, however my husband and son said not so much it was a bit ‘off’ yet the didn’t know what it was. I just wanted thoughts on that change or any other. Also I didn’t have parm cheese so I used shredded mozzarella, maybe that was what it was. Thanks for ur thoughts
Add old bay seasoning and sazon, that off taste is the spice.
I would think it must of been from using mozzarella instead of parmesan cheese.
Yes the Mozzarella cheese will give it a completely different taste. That is quite likely the “off” they were detecting. I bet it made a great cheese sauce though.
Hubs loved it. Needed to use up some turkey breast that he had smoked. I didn’t have heavy whipping cream, so used 2% milk. Sauteed some onions in with the butter in the first step before adding the milk & cream cheese. Really good flavor!
This recipe is amazing. Better than any jar alfredo sauce from the store. I cut back a little on the garlic powder and salt but added more minced garlic and garlic salt. I also added chopped mushrooms. Thanks for the recipe!
I’ve made this recipe several times. My two kids (who can be picky) and husband love it. I don’t normally leave reviews, but this recipe I keep coming back to. The only thing I change is the amount of butter. 1/2 cup (1 whole stick) of butter is just way too much. It seperates from the rest of the sauce, especially when cooled/reheated. I’ll use half a stick or less and still same great flavor without so much of a butter flavor.
I’ve made this recipe several times. It’s super quick to make and easy to out together. Far better than store bought alfredo from a jar. My two kids (who can be picky) and husband love it. I don’t normally leave reviews, but this recipe I keep coming back to. The only thing I change is the amount of butter. 1/2 cup (1 whole stick) of butter is just way too much. It seperates from the rest of the sauce, especially when cooled/reheated. I’ll use half a stick or less and still same great flavor without so much of a butter flavor.
I’ve made this recipe several times. It’s super quick to make and easy to put together. Far better than store bought alfredo from a jar. My two kids (who can be picky) and husband love it. I don’t normally leave reviews, but this recipe I keep coming back to. The only thing I change is the amount of butter. 1/2 cup (1 whole stick) of butter is just way too much. It seperates from the rest of the sauce, especially when cooled/reheated. I’ll use half a stick or less and still same great flavor without so much of a butter flavor.
I’m making this right now I have used your recipe for a while. It’s very good. When I run out of parm I use the pregrated in the tub. I also ran out of fett noodles so I’ll use rigatoni today 🙂 very interchangeable recipe. Thank you
AWESOME!!!!!!✨💐❤️……..
This was the best one I’ve seen yet thank you so much.
I added a little more spice than the recipe and a few good dashes of hot sauce yummy
Seriously. Best alfredo sauce ever. Thank you so much! I was even out of cream and used lactose free 2% milk – it was still amazing.
Can I use half and half instead of heavy whipping cream? Or would that not be as tasty.
Yes, that will work; however, you will lose the thickness of the sauce as well as the texture and flavor. I would prefer the heavy whipping cream instead.
Can this be made ahead and refrigerated?
YES! It can be left in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Not frozen though.
I love this recipe. Can the leftover sauce be frozen?
No, unfortunately, this sauce is not freezable. It will last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Absolutely ahhhhhhmayzazing!!!
When you say grated Parmesan cheese do you mean fresh grated Parmesan or Parmesan in the can? Thank you!
I prefer fresh for that extra cheesy flavor but powdered is great too!
My daughter would like to make this for her open house. Do you think making it the day before and under cooking the noodles a bit would be ok? We would like to mix the sauce with the noodles and then warm it up in the oven the next day.
I would recommend making the Alfredo, then making the noodles the next day and reheating the Alfredo slowly so it does not clump together or curdle.
Wow, that really is delicious! Better than restaurants!
Absolutely the BEST. I have usually bought jarred alfredo and then “doctored” it up for more flavor. This recipe is so easy and delicious! I had started shrimp alfredo last night, and then had to throw the garlic, onions etc in the fridge to deal with a family urgency. By then, 2 am and didnt eat now, I just made your sauce, and my shrimp, snap peas, shitake mushrooms, etc and tossed it in your sauce. Omg Amazing! Thank you!
I made this for my husband and neighbors. I can not tell you how much they loved it. We are making left overs on Sunday! This is definitely a keeper!
By far the best alfredo sauce I’ve ever eaten! I made this tonight and added chicken and shrimp and tossed with fettuccine. My whole family loved it!
We love this recipe, but every time I make it, the butter separates from the alfredo sauce. Today I tried putting the entire thing in a food processor, but the butter still didn’t incorporate. What am I doing wrong, and how can I correct it? We love the chicken broccoli garlic alfredo shells; in fact, I made it today to freeze and take on vacation with us!
Hi Eileen — Two things, Alfredo sauce unfortunately will not freeze and reheat well at all. You can refrigerate for a few days though and then reheat on a lower heat (you don’t want it to curdle).
The other thing is if you are having trouble with whisking the cream and butter together, you could use an immersion blender right in the sauce pan as it cooks. With the blender running, add the cream to the melted better a bit at a time or in a slow stream. I do this sometimes and it works really well and the sauce stays homogenized. I hope this helps.
Love this sauce so much! Just curious! How long can this sauce keep in the fridge or freezer? Made a double batch and I dont want it to go to waste!
This is not a great sauce to freeze but it does well in the refrigerator. It lasts about 3 to 4 days. To warm up, warm slowly so it does not separate.
I look for recipes all the time. I race through the blog and never leave a comment. That being said, this is absolutely the best Alfredo sauce I’ve ever eaten including in a restaurant. I did double the fresh garlic and didn’t add powder but I don’t think that changed the integrity of your basic recipe. Good job, this will be my forever Alfredo sauce.
This alfredo sauce has such a rich cheesy taste. Simply awesome! Served it with sauteed fresh mushrooms over fresh noodles. Thanks so much for sharing.
I’m curious how you would season your chicken for Chick Alfredo?
I made this once and since then if I ask my 6 person family what they want for dinner? They ALWAYS scream ALFREDO!!
So thank you! Thank you so much for adding a great classic to our dinner menu!
If you haven’t tried this recipe, HOW ARE YOU LIVING???
That is amazingly awesome! I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing that and following along with me! I really appreciate it!
Usually I make my sauce with flour and not cream cheese but tried this recipe and WOW!! Going to stick with this one from now on. It was the best sauce I’ve ever had!!!
I’ve been using your recipe for over a year now. Hands down my favorite version of hearty alfredo sauce anywhere!
Not to comment on this sauce would leave the culinary profession in disrepute. Ive made this sauce several times with always the same great tasting results. Ive served it to neighbors and family who have provided nothing but positive comments. Ive kept it in the fridge and freezer without problems. Yes it is better the day ya make it. This sauce rocks my world LOL
I finally found a sauce I love!!! Thank you! It’s so good. I made it for dinner tonight and the only thing I changed was the Italian seasoning. I put in like two little pinches because my husband doesn’t like it that much. I’m sure it would still taste amazing with the recommended amount too!
LOVE IT!