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Alfredo sauce is one of my most popular recipes EVER! The secret is a little cream cheese, and ohhh my gosh, the tangy creaminess takes it to the next level. You and your kids will inhale it, I promise!
A Reader’s Review
All I can say is OMGawd, Finally! Alfredo is my daughters favorite and I have tried so many “best” Alfredo recipes and none of them have been even close. This recipe is the end to a 10 year search! The sauce is super creamy and the flavor is spot on…better than your favorite restaurant. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
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.
- Freshly Grated or Canned Parmesan Cheese? 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 fish. Try this shrimp, crispy parmesan chicken or garlic brown sugar salmon!
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? Add the cream cheese in small chunks 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 stove on low heat and stir often. If it starts to separate, slowly whisk it back together over low heat on the stovetop. 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.
well this sauce be enough for 4-6 servings?
Yes!
This is legit! A lot of recipes that I’ve seen don’t call for cream cheese and I think that may be one ingredient that really sets this recipe apart from the others. I had to alter it just a little due to not having a full 2 cups of heavy cream. I used 1 C of heavy cream and 1 C of whole milk. I also opted to use 1 full tsp of minced garlic and only 1/2 tsp garlic seasoning. Otherwise everything was as called for in the recipe. It was just sooooo good! It is absolutely restaurant quality! I have picky eaters and not picky eaters and it was unanimously loved! I also do not ever leave reviews for recipes, even when they’re good. This was so goo that I just HAD to leave a review.
I only have 2oz of cream cheese. Can anything else be substituted for the rest?
I would make sure to use the right amount of cream cheese in this recipe! You can substitute it with heavy cream, half and half or sour cream but it will change the consistency and the taste a bit.
This recipe looks delicious and I want to make it for an upcoming party. Do you think it could stay warm in a crockpot for an hour or two without separating?
I would just give it a good stir every once in a while during the party and it should be fine!
Made this for the first time with cheese tortellini &added imitation crab and finely chopped broccoli.
I doubled the sauce,added a little more seasoning, mainly extra fresh garlic. We like our garlic! Served with garlic bread& fruit. With having extra sauce to create another meal.
Was Delicious.
Oh my stars!! What a delicious alfredo sauce!! Decided to throw a quick dinner together using italian sasuage and sliced grilled chicken breast!! Added some mushrooms and onions to the dish with the alfredo and it was so good!! My soon to be daughter in love looked at me and said ” you just threw this together?” That’s a win!! Will definately make this again!! I did not use a full tsp of Italian seasoning based on other comments.
I made this for my husband and myself for dinner tonight. Did not change a thing. We both really liked it. I think this is my new Alfredo recipe.
Indeed, this was the best Alfredo sauce that I have ever eaten. I’ve already made it twice in one week. I cooked the sauce exactly as stated, not changing one thing, and I won’t change anything the next time, it was perfect, as it. My son and his wife absolutely loved it, as did I. Of course, this isn’t something that I would eat on a regular basis because it’s just about all “fats.” However, it it certainly wonderful to have on festive occassions.
I’ve noticed when I’ve made this recipe in the past it leaves a very buttery ring around it and no matter how much I stir it it never blends in. Today I used 3/4 of a stick and it is much better and tastes the same. But nevertheless, it is an excellent recipe.
Will try it again, with less Italian seasoning. It’s worth another try.
This was absolutely delicious! My new favorite recipe.
Very good Alfredo! Like everything else, personal preference plays a major role. I prefer much less Italian seasoning, if any.
Am I able to freeze any left over sauce?
This sauce will separate if frozen so it’s best served fresh.
Okay thanks, it was such a delicious sauce
Can this sauce be canned with a pressure canner? If so how can I do it?
I haven’t tried that with this recipe before.
How much pasta will this cover?
It is delicious ?
It makes about 2 cups which is enough for 1 pound of pasta!
So easy & so tasty! This recipe is a keeper!