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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.
This recipe is absolutely to die for! I do also make an alfredo lasagna. Could I use this recipe for a lasagna or will it split from being refrigerated and recooked?
I’m guessing it’s a given that the butter and cheeses should be at room temp before beginning the process…? That would have made it easier had I known, but using the whisk & not turning up the heat saved me, I think. I’m starting to enjoy cooking now that this came out so well! Cheers!!!
Made it the first time per recipe. Family and sister loved it. Made double batch the second time adding more garlic, cause if your friends don’t like garlic, get new friends. Sister took leftovers home.Everyone loved it. Made it the third time for family adding a few shots of liquid smoke. Great tasing. Sent sister home with recipe!
has anyone tried this using half and half , if so did u up the cheese or use a bit of flour to thicken?
I just made this sauce for the first time tonight, and used half and half instead of whipping cream I followed the recipe as written otherwise and it was delicious!! Will definitely make it again!!
Made this once before and it was great! If I make it for a party, can I cook it as instructed then transfer to a crockpot to keep warm, without it separating? Thanks!
Oh that is a good idea. I haven’t tried that yet but I would keep it on warm like you said!
Omg
Omg omg hands down the best sauce , and Better than any restaurant wow , thank you!
Simply the VERY BEST!! A must try!! My kids beg me all the time to make this recipe!!
This is my favorite alfredo sauce recipe. I usually have leftovers and the sauce ends up separating so I just cut the butter in half if I plan to have leftovers. I just used this recipe as a base for sun dried tomato alfredo sauce and it turned out AMAZING!!! I did everything the same, but I added 1-2 table spoons of tomato paste in step one, then before I added the cheese, I mixed in about about a cup of smoked sundried tomatoes and let it cook until they dehydrated and got really fragrant, then I just finished it up. Sooooooo good ❤❤
This is a great recipe, simple and amazing flavor. I always cook this on a low to medium-low heat to avoid separation, also used a little extra fresh garlic (3 cloves) and a splash of whole milk. However if u follow the instructions word for word it will still be great. I’ve topped with sauteed shrimp and pan fried chicken breast (separately) and served over fettuccine, both were awesome! If u want an easy recipe to impress someone, this is it.
This is the only Alfredo sauce recipe I’ll use. Ten starz girl!!!
I like to make my own “frozen do-ahead” dinners. If I mix the sauce into noodles can I freeze each serving? Or will the sauce separate?
Hey Claudia!
Thanks so much for following along with me! Unfortunately this sauce does not freeze well and will separate. I hope that you love it as much as I do!
The absolute best sauce!
Holy smokes!!! This recipe is a 10/5 star! Chicken alfredo is my favorite dish to order when I go out for Italian food, and I get very distraught by the overall creaminess/taste of most canned alfredo sauces. This recipe was AMAZING and the ingredients cost less than a can of the store bought sauce! I topped it with grilled chicken (that had been marinated with balsamic, olive oil and lemon juice) and it was a great compliment to this dish. Will definitely be making this from now on!
This is the clostest to a “Real sauce”. Just add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and it’s perfect.
My hubby said “Babe make sure you keep this recipe!” Definitely a hit in our home. Quick and easy. I made it exact to the recipe. I will definitely make it again.
The best sauce I’ve ever made. So good!