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Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and rich — this homemade Alfredo sauce is better than any jarred version! Made with butter, cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan, this quick sauce is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for pasta, pizza, dipping, or casseroles!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Basic Alfredo Sauce:
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream or half & half
  • 3 –4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Black or white pepper to taste
  • Optional: Dash of nutmeg or 2 tbsp cream cheese for extra thickness

Method
 

Step 1: Melt Butter
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Do not let it brown.
Step 2: Add Garlic
  1. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Avoid browning.
Step 3: Pour in the Cream
  1. Slowly whisk in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Parmesan
  1. Reduce heat to low and whisk in Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until smooth.
Step 5: Season and Serve
  1. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Serve hot over pasta or store for later use.

Notes

Serving Suggestions:

  • With Grilled or Sauteed Protein
  • Slather the sauce on grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a protein-packed meal.
  • For vegetarians, consider sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or cauliflower steaks.
  • As a Dipping Sauce
  • Dunk garlic bread, breadsticks, soft pretzels or roasted veggies into it.
  • Transfer it to a ramekin and serve it warm at parties or family dinners.
  • As a White Pizza Base
  • Plop it onto a pizza crust instead of tomato sauce.
  • Load it with mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms, grilled chicken to create a DELICIOUS white pizza!
  • In Baked Dishes
  • Lay it between layers of lasagna, or use it to hold together chicken and pasta casseroles.
  • Perfect for making Alfredo-stuffed shells or baked ziti.
  • Over Roasted Vegetables or Rice
  • Pour over steamed broccoli, zucchini or a bed of rice for a creamy side or easy dinner.
  • Great way to get kids to eat more veggies!
  • With Fresh Herbs and Garnishes
  • Top your final dish with:
  • Fresh parsley or basil
  • A dash of cracked pepper
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • A squeeze of lemon juice, for brightness