This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.
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.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
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.
Ooooh so good. I’ve made it several times. Suggest taking it slow to avoid separation. Gotta be high on the cholesterol scale, I mean whipping cream, butter and cream cheese! But worth it, good stuff.
Amazing!! Best sauce ever!! Thank you so much for providing the recipe.
Yummy sauce!! Next time I will add shrimp and broccoli. So quick and easy to prepare! Thank you!
I love this recipe! How could I do this in the instant pot?
The only way I can think of using an instant pot for Alfredo sauce in on the sautee mode. You always have to be careful when cooking fats to stir enough to prevent scorching.
The best Alfredo sauce! It’s super easy to make and I use this recipe every time. I cut up chicken thighs and marinate in Italian dressing and cook until crispy, cook the noodles and Walla! Pair with salad and you have yourself better than restaurant fettuccine chicken Alfredo!
haven’t tried this yet but wondered how long, once made, can it be kept in a jar in the fridge for?
I found a similar recipe years ago, and lost it. When I came across this one my heart jumped! Tried it the same night and just as I suspected, it was a WINNER. No leftovers. I even started an office debate when I mentioned using cream cheese in alfredo sauce. I left one poor guy fuming when I said, “Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it” and walked away smiling. : ) Thanks!
Amazingly good! Added a full chopped up rotisserie chicken and served over fettuccine noodles. I’ve never made an Alfredo sauce from scratch and I never need another recipe.
How much pasta do you make A pound.
I usually use a whole bag or box for my family.
This sauce is amazing! Thank you for the recipe. I have made it several times now and will never use jar sauce again.
Can I make this ahead and make the same day or refrigerate without it separating?
Yes, you can make this ahead. You will want to refrigerate. Reheat on low setting not overcooking it.
Does this sauce break down? Does it have to be served as soon as it is cooked? Thank you.
It does break down if it is overheated. Keep it on low, stirring occasionally is the best for this Alfredo sauce. Enjoy!
Best Alfredo EVER!!!
This is my family and friends favorite alfredo sauce. I have people beg me for the recipe. I use it for my Chicken Alfredo. I do saute my chicken, and garlic with a dry white wine, It adds so much flavor to the chicken. I also use fresh herbs. Hands down best Alfredo sauce I’ve ever had and that includes authentic Italian restaurants.
Used this recipe with a few tweaks, but it was amazing. Chopped fresh garlic, melted butter added fresh garlic for a few minutes. I also added fresh granulated parmesan cheese. Made for my Chicken Alfredo stuffed shells and let me just say everyone went back for thirds. ?
Best white sauce! Plus easy to make! ? good with pasta paired with baked chicken ? thanks!!
How long can I store this sauce in the fridge?
This will last around 2 to 3 days.