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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!
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
- 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.
- Melt: Add the butter, cream, and cream cheese to a medium pan and whisk over medium heat until melted.
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
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Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe
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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve never looked through a recipe’s reviews and found so many positive ones. I’ve made this sauce multiple times and every time I try a new recipe (just for fun) it’s never close to as good as this. Every other alfredo sauce is just so… boring. This one is full of flavor and I think I’ll have to stick with it.
Does it have to be fresh parm?
This Alfredo sauce has become the most requested for my family. AND it’s so easy!!! Thank you!!!
Probably the best alfredo sauce I’ve ever had
Would this be a good sauce to use if making chicken alfredo lasagna?
Yes, totally!
It is truly as good as described. We did a chicken Alfredo with spiralized zuchinni but would have not needed the chicken to make the meal complete. Try it – you will not be disappointed.
I’ve never posted a review or comment on a recipe before (and trust me I am always on these sites using them) but WOW……this recipe is so simple and easy to execute, and what I’m about to say is NOT an exaggeration: this is not only the best alfredo I’ve ever made…this is the best Alfredo I’ve ever HAD!!! For those who don’t believe me you’re probably looking at the recipe thinking, “it can’t be THAT good it’s just a simple recipe. It’s just alfredo!” Please try it. I recommend adding fresh steamed broccoli, and I also added precooked rotisserie chicken that I shredded. It meshed a lot better than chunks of chicken in my opinion. But wow, incredible recipe!!
the best! you have to try this! made it several times always a hit!
Huge hit with the family and paired nicely with the Spinach & Ricotta stuffed Ravioli and Shrimp I had planned. Nice change from the normal sugo. Thank you!
So I would love to make this for an event that I am hosting but I would like to make it ahead of time. Are you able to freeze it?
Thank you!
No, this does not freeze well.
I’m excited to try this but I don’t have any cream cheese on hand. Can I substitute it for sour cream?
Yes, that will work.
This is so good and very easy to make.
Best Alfredo sauce I’ve ever had!!
Does this sauce freeze well? I’d like to make up a big batch to have on hand?
It absolutely amazing!
No, this does not freeze well.
Just needed a little more salt but overall awesome!
This sauce had a nice consistency, but it was a bit sour from the cream cheese and my kids didn’t care for that flavor. I may try mascarpone as an alternative to cream cheese.