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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 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. 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.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
Best receipt ever ! This is my Alfredo sauce for the rest of life now !
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 🙂
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.
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!
…Seriously… the best sauce ever. So easy to make!
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.
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.
Easy and delicious! Definitely a keeper.
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.