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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 like to cook the chicken and then make the sauce right in with it! The only thing I would change is that by melting the butter in the pan first, then adding the cream cheese until melted, and then adding the willing cream, I have found that I have a much smoother alfredo sauce. Absolutely delicious!! My family and I much prefer this over any other!!
This recipe is amazing! I make it almost weekly and it comes together so quick and is always delicious! Thank you for this!!
My husband doesn’t like Alfredo but I made this and asked him to try it. Sold!! He said he loved it!! We have a winner!! I added grilled chicken tenders and broccoli and it was delicious! Better than any Alfredo I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Best part is hubby likes it and I can add it to our menu! Thank you!!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy that he loved it. It’s definitely a weekly request at my house! 🙂
When you made it with the chicken and broccoli and pasta was this recipe enough to cover it all or did you have to make extra?
Husband saw an “Italian” restaurant commercial advertising their Alfredo sauce, and had been talking about it for days. Made this sauce tonight for dinner. He was one Happy Camper! Said it was better than the restaurants. This is so good, even my Mother-in-law liked it! Definitely adding to the make again file!
I’m so happy to hear that!
This is my favorite Alfredo sauce! I use it often. Thank you for the recipe!
Someone asked about how much pasta to go with it.. I use one pound of linguine with mine and it’s perfect 🙂
WOW this is absolutely delicious! Only change I made was to use 8 oz of cream cheese instead of 4 to not waste it. This is my new favorite alfredo and cant wait to try it with shrimp instead of chicken next time. Do yourself a favor and run dont stop to try this new family favorite
How much pasta did u use with this recipe
I have tried many different Alfredo recipes. This one is the best and it will be my go to from now on.
First time making this.it was absolutely amazing.will definitely make it again.
I never leave comments on recipes I find online. I usually look at two or three and modify to my liking but this alfredo sauce is by far THE Best! I have been using it for about 3.5 years and it is flavorful, creamy with just the right amount of everything. Kudos!
Thank you!! We love it at our house too!
I was excited to try this recipe and it turned out bland. Had to use all of the cream I had because the noodles soaked up the sauce. Had to find a different one.
Honestly, best alfredo ever! My family begs for it.
I’m so glad to hear this! It’s a favorite at my house too!
I’ve never had a better tasting Alfredo sauce
Im not a huge fan but when I do have it this is the recipe!! It would taste amazing dipping Olive Garden’s bread sticks into it!
Yes! That is so delicious! Have you tried my copycat Olive Garden breadsticks recipe? Copycat Olive Garden Breadsticks
Needed a quick alfredo sauce found this one so easy and tasty….cut up 2 cups broccoli and one chicken breast add in Shiritaki noodles, really quick & delicious dinner.
Can I use this sauce for a baked chicken Alfredo with noodles?
Yes! That sounds delicious.
How much sauce for 3lbs fettucini?
I would at least double or triple the recipe depending on how much sauce you like to add to pasta. I would rather have some extra!
I love this recipe! Delicious! I used a pound of linguine and it was the perfect ratio for the sauce.