Classic Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Make a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce from scratch on the stovetop in under 15 minutes using just a few simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: About 1.5 cups sauce
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 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. If you are using garlic, add it now and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water or extra cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- Toss immediately with hot, cooked pasta or use as desired.
Notes
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
- This sauce thickens significantly as it cools.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 21
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 9
- Cholesterol: 110