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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.
Outrageous! Thanks SO MUCH! I love making food that’s fresh as much as possible! Blessings on you and your family :0)
Will the sauce be ok if I cook it tonight and then serve it for my Lunch club party at work tomorrow? Or do I have to wake up early and cook it same day for best results? Cheers!
Yes! It will last for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Hi I tried making it and it was good. Though the butter keeps floating to the top no matter how much I mix it?
You don’t want to over mix it or have it get too hot or it will be separated in the pan. Hope that helps explain it for you. This is our very favorite Alfredo sauce!
Canned sauce will never be worth the convenience after you taste this! Best sauce I have ever tried. I used good quality Parmesan too which I feel made it even better. I used Bella Rosa. Delish!
It was amazing and super easy! I used low fat cream cheese, and fresh parmesan…so rich and creamy!!! I probably don’t want to know, but do you have the nutritional value for this sauce?
I’d like to know this too! I may just figure it out myself if I do I’ll post it.
My family loves it. It was full of flavor and easy to make. It will be used as one of my crowd pleaser meals.
That is great to hear! I am so happy that they enjoyed it! Thank you so much for sharing!
Can se make big batches and freeze them??
This sauce does not freeze well. It is best fresh and lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
Haven’t tried it yet.can I replace cream cheese w feta and be as smooth?
It will definitely have another taste to it. If you are a feta fan than it may be okay for you but it may acquire a taste outside of my original homemade Alfreda sauce.
I have half and half on hand all the time… Could I replace the whipping cream with this?
You can but it will change and alter the taste and texture of the Alfredo sauce. For best results I recommend using the ingredients listed.
I used the half and half but used 3/4 of a pint and it was absolutely delicious!!! Great recipe !!! I tried it again and added mushrooms on penne noodles. I was told that my pasta is better than the great Italian restaurants we have here. Thanks once again !!
I am on a low sodium diet. I was wondering if you had recipes for people with this type of medical condition.
Great flavor just to greasy for me so I use less butter.
It helps to heat your heavy cream in the microwave for 90 seconds- if you combine ingredients at similar temperatures they will combine rather than separate from the butter
Made this for a youth activity, and it was a huge hit! Delicious & easy. I love this recipe.
That is great to hear! I am so glad that they all enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing!
Made this sauce and put it on half a spaghetti squash with marinaded chicken breast, my husband said it was better than any regular fettuccine Alfredo!
Just made this and ohmygosh, it’s SO GOOD! Whole family of seven loved it. Our it over noodles for the kids and roasted broccoli for my husband and it was delicious! The cream cheese is key!
YAY! I am glad that it was so good. Thank you for sharing!
Dont usually comment on these things, but this recipe is a huge win! Work at a nursing, quadrupled the recipe for 28 people. It is amazing! A+
Did you double or triple the recipe for your family of 7?
I usually have to double it since I have 2 growing boys and my hubby. My girls and I are normal and eat a smaller portion. lol. I also like to have a little left over for the next day to add something to lunches. Hope that helps! For 7 you could feed enough with out doubling it. I just like to be safe and my family lathers the sauce on.
Sounds delish. Can I use this sauce in a chicken spaghetti casserole and freeze? The recipe calls for jarred Alfredo but I rather use fresh if I can freeze.
Yes, you can use it in a casserole. I would not recommend freezing the actual Alfredo though.
Such great sauce! Do you think it would freeze ok? I made too much sauce for myself to eat and I’d love to freeze it and use the rest of it later.
It does not freeze well
The best Alfredo sauce I have ever had.
I have not made this yet but need to ask…I cook lunch for our small parochial school once a week. I want to make this sauce (much cheaper and better tasting than purchased). I do need to know about how much to make. I feed about 5 adults, 10 teens and 20 children. Some things the kids clean me out and others I have leftovers to take home for my family for supper-which is a good thing. 🙂 How many recipes of the sauce would you make for this group. The are all pretty much good eaters.