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Alfredo sauce is one of my most popular recipes EVER! This sauce is ultra creamy and belongs on everything. It’s so much better than store-bought and only takes 20 minutes to make!

A Reader’s Review

This was BY FAR the best alfredo recipe I have yet to find! If any of you are looking for online alfredo recipes, you can quit looking. This one is the richest/creamiest/most appetizing one I’ve found yet. I’ve trialed with several and this one beats them all. EXCELLENT recipe!! My husband cannot stop talking about how much ‘better’ my alfredo is this time!

-Ali

Why You Need to Make This Alfredo Sauce Today!

  • It’s so good, I eat it with a spoon! I “test” it so many times while cooking that I’m usually full before dinner even starts. It’s that creamy, cheesy, and irresistible.
  • Cream cheese makes it next-level! This is my secret ingredient! It adds the perfect tang and smooth texture that most Alfredo sauces are missing.
  • You won’t believe how simple and fast this is! It tastes fancy, but it’s so easy. One pan, a few ingredients, and 20 minutes later, you’re a dinner hero.

Ingredients Needed

Overhead shot of labeled ingredients.
  • Different Cheese: To switch up the flavor, use half Romano cheese or Asiago cheese instead of Parmesan cheese.
  • Do I have to use cream cheese? You can omit the cream cheese, but I suggest replacing it with 1/2 cup of additional heavy cream.
  • Fresh or canned Parmesan? Freshly grated Parmesan is a must! The stuff in a can will make the sauce grainy, and the pre-shredded kind will end up very clumpy.
  • Can I substitute the heavy Cream? You can use milk or half & half instead. The sauce will be lighter, but still tasty.
  • Make it spicy! You can add in more spices and seasonings like red pepper flakes or paprika so your Alfredo has a little kick to it! Similar to this Cajun Alfredo pasta!
  • What protein can I add? Alfredo sauce goes so well with chicken or shrimp.

How to Make Alfredo Sauce from Scratch

Not only does this Alfredo sauce use simple, everyday ingredients, but it also comes together in minutes.

  1. Melt: Add the butter, cream, and cream cheese to a medium pan and whisk over medium heat until melted.
  2. Whisk: Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper and whisk until combined. Make sure to whisk it together rather than stirring with a spatula. This will help your Alfredo sauce not to separate.
  3. Gradually Add Cheese: Continue to whisk until smooth before gradually adding the Parmesan cheese. (Overheating can cause the cheese to break and turn clumpy. Keep the heat low, stir gently, and avoid boiling. For best results, add the Parmesan off heat to help it melt smoothly.)
  4. Simmer and Serve: Bring to a simmer and whisk for about 3-5 minutes or until it thickens. Toss it with fettuccine noodles and serve immediately.

Alyssa’s Pro Tips

Want a thicker sauce? Cut the cream cheese up into cubes and add in small amounts at a time while stirring. It melts evenly and enhances the texture. If needed, whisk together 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in to thicken further.

How Many Cups Does It 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. I like to reserve a little sauce on the side for dipping breadsticks in.

Storing Leftover Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a favorite at our house and I know that it won’t last long, even if I double it! 

  • In the Fridge: Store your homemade Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat your sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. It is best not to microwave this sauce because it can cause the sauce to break and turn oily.

Ways to Use Homemade Alfredo Sauce

With how easily this alfredo sauce comes together, you will never go back to the jarred sauce again! It’s awesome on top of just about any pasta but is also delicious used as a dip or even spread on pizza.

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Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

4.92 from 787 votes
This ultra-creamy Alfredo sauce is so delicious and is full of so much flavor!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients 

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream 1 pint
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • ½ teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • Add ½ cup unsalted butter, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, and 4 ounces cream cheese to a medium saucepan and whisk over medium heat until melted.  
  • Add ½ teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper Continue to whisk until smooth before gradually adding 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese.
  • Bring to a simmer and continue to whisk for about 3-5 minutes or until it thickens. Toss it with your favorite pasta and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

Storing Alfredo Sauce: Store your homemade Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Calories: 405kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 7gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 26gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 335mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1522IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 209mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Sauce
Cuisine: Italian, Italian American
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer, experienced recipe-developer and American Culinary Federation certified. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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4.92 from 787 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




1,764 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    Nice creamy flavor! I have been making my own Alfredo sauce for years but I wanted to try it with cream cheese. This recipe hit the mark!

  2. 5 stars
    Just made this and it is AMAZING!! I added a lil more garlic and 1/2 tsp. of lawyers. Thanks for this recipe you rock!! 🙂

  3. Your Alfredo sauce looks delicious however it doesn’t say how much it makes or how many servings. Please share

  4. 5 stars
    Which type of Parmesan cheese do you use? The pre-grated one you can buy from the shelf to sprinkle on your food or the one that’s refridgerated and you have to grate yourself?

  5. Hi Alyssa, the sauce was delicious. I did notice that it didn’t thicken while I was cooking it, but once it was on the pasta, it worked out. Simply delicious. I’ve tried a few, but this by far is the best one. A definite keeper. Thank you for sharing the recipe with us! Happy Thanksgiving.

  6. Hello there, I was just wondering about your homemade Alfredo sauce. I wondered what amout in ounces does that equal to! It sounds good , but I wanted to be sure I was making enough for my dinner meal or if I had to double it?? I was making chicken alfredo for about 10 people, thank you for your time!

  7. 5 stars
    Undoubtedly the best Alfredo sauce recipe…. It was finger licking good!! Thank you for such an awesome recipe.

  8. 5 stars
    Made this recipe last night and OMG!! I COULDN’T stop tasting this sauce! I will NEVER by another jar of Alfredo sauce; I even made my own Italian seasoning! My meal was a big hit and there were no leftovers. Thank you for this delicious and simple recipe. I totally enjoy this site!

    1. LOL! That is awesome and just what I LOVE to hear! I am so happy that you loved it that much! Thanks so much for sharing! XOXO

  9. I’m looking forward to trying your sauce — the cream cheese sounds like an awesome addition. However, I must mention that Alfredo Sauce without a touch of nutmeg just isn’t right! FWIW! Thanks for sharing!

  10. 5 stars
    We are a picky family of five and this was such a delicious and easy recipe. All three children loved it! I added chicken and fresh broccoli to my recipe. Thanks for sharing!

  11. 5 stars
    I made this tonight and I just have to say OH MY GOSH!!!! This is truly the best alfredo sauce I have ever had. My only complaint is I’m not a huge fan of Italian seasoning so I think I will cut it in half next time. I will definitely make it again!!!

      1. Just an fyi, arty the top you state 10 servings. You might want to change. I’ve got to feed 25 and about to do 3 batches. If it truly only dies 4-6 I need to head back to the store. Glad I was reading thru the comments and saw this.

        I’ve made this before but never stopped to measure servings cause I usually make extra for left overs? also, reheats great. Just have to go slow and sometimes add a little more cream.

        Thanks for sharing this wonderful receipe!!! It is my go to alfredo sauce! Everyone raves about it!

        LeAnne with Ace Catering

  12. I have been having stomach issues caused by stress and irritated by Garlic so I have to make sauces from scratch. A friend told me about this recipe and advised me to omit the Garlic. I can’t wait to try it!