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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 just made this for dinner minus the salt and pepper and my family LOVED it ! My husband said this was the best alfredo he had ever had. Because it was my sister in laws birthday dinner we did as she asked and put chicken and bacon on it. Your recipe is amazing, thank you for sharing!
I tried this recipe…very tasty. The only problem that I had was that it separated on me. Mostly my fault, I have a new stove and am getting used to it. It was very simple the only thing that I will do next time is have my spices ready to just drop in as to monitor the sauce as it warms. Perfect for the two of us and leaves some for leftovers.
Thank you for the recipe.
FYI…even though it separated, I’m not one to waste and it still tasted great!
HO
LEE
COW!!!
Amazing and so simple to make. This recipe has been printed and added to my box. Great sauce!!!!
and yes……. better than Olive Garden! Thanks Alyssa!!!!
Sooo Good!!
I made it its quick and easy to make and it’s yummy
Will this keep in a crockpot
So delicious & easy! I bought all ingredients, but didn’t make right away, so my parmesean cheese went bad. I substituted a chedder blend I had in the fridge and it turned out great! Served with grilled chicken & onions over fettuccine. No more canned for me!
Glad to know that it still was delicious with a cheddar cheese substitute! And yes. We will never buy canned again!
I have to ask – why on earth is Olive Garden now the gold standard for pasta sauce?! I’m trying this tonight, btw. Looks delicious.
Olive Garden is sub par but dang their alfredo is good!! lol You will love this alfredo. It is better than olive garden.
simple to put together and tasty
I made a couple of modifications
1oz cave aged white cheddar cheese
left out black pepper
Very delicious, the whole family loved it!
Xlnt recipe. Made it with wild dried mushrooms. 1/2&1/2 works well instead of cream. I’m Italo/American and always use fresh grated cheese. Mama didn’t like the other stuff. Easy to tweak recipe with multiple uses. TnxTnx
Really enjoyed this recipe – I couldn’t taste any cream cheese, so only added to the flavor. I did not have fresh Parmesan cheese, so used Romano – worked perfectly!! Mixed with Penne Pasta, grilled chicken and broccoli…….. fabulous! Thank you for sharing!
My daughter requested homemade alfredo for her 5th birthday. The last recipe I used was hit or miss. So I thought I’d try a new one. Not only is this SUPER easy but it is delicious. My 3 yr old LOVED it and he hates alfredo sauce. The birthday girl said “mommy thank you so much for making this for my birthday dinner it’s the best you’ve ever made!”
Ahhh I love hearing feedback like this!! Thank you!
I have made this a few times now. This truly is the best alfredo sauce ever!! I also, will never buy or use any other recipe ever again! Every time I make it, my family raves about it and say they could never find this in any restaurant (chicken bacon garlic alfredo roll ups). We renamed it chicken bacon alfredo wraps. I love toasting bagels and dipping in the sauce! This is so very very yummy!! Thank you so MUCH!
This recipe is truly amazing!! I will never use any other recipe or buy alfredo ever again!
I found your recipe after I googled “Alfredo sauce”. It seemed a little different with the cream cheese and Italian seasoning. I am so glad I made it, it is delicious! Definitely will be my go to Alfredo sauce from now on! Thank you
Right?? The cream cheese is the secret ingredient! It is so good!