The Best 10-Minute Homemade Alfredo Sauce: Rich, Creamy & Easy
Learn how to make a rich, creamy, and easy homemade Alfredo sauce from scratch in just 10 minutes. This simple pasta topping uses classic ingredients for a flavor superior to jarred versions.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and fully melted. This step requires patience to keep it from clumping.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Remove the sauce from the heat immediately once smooth. Toss with your favorite cooked pasta, like fettuccine, or serve as a simple pasta topping.
Notes
- For the creamiest texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- If the sauce thickens too much while serving, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk or reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- This recipe makes a fantastic base for Fettuccine Alfredo or as a sauce for chicken or vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 21
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 110