alfredo sauce from scratch recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best alfredo sauce from scratch recipe

I’ve been making alfredo sauce from scratch for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My family loves it when I serve it with pasta, but it’s also great as a dip for vegetables or as a sauce for pizza. The key to a good alfredo sauce is using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh Parmesan cheese and real butter.

I like to use a combination of heavy cream and whole milk to give the sauce a rich, creamy texture. The technique is also important – you want to cook the sauce over low heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens up nicely. This takes about 10 minutes, but trust me, it’s worth the effort.

When I’m in a hurry, I’ll often make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use. This way, I can quickly reheat it when we’re ready to eat. My kids love helping me make the sauce from scratch – they get to stir the pot and add in the cheese, which makes them feel involved in the cooking process.

It’s a fun family activity that we all enjoy together. Making alfredo sauce from scratch is also a great way to get some extra calcium into our diet – between the Parmesan cheese and the milk or cream, we’re getting a good dose of calcium in every serving. I’ve even started serving this sauce with vegetables instead of pasta – my kids love dipping their broccoli or carrots in this rich, cheesy goodness.

It’s a game-changer for getting them to eat more veggies! In addition to being delicious and nutritious, making alfredo sauce from scratch is also incredibly easy – once you get the hang of it, you’ll be whipping up batches in no time.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce from Scratch

4.8 from 783 votes

Creamy and rich, this classic Alfredo sauce is made entirely from scratch using simple ingredients. Perfect for pairing with pasta, this sauce is sure to impress.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and begins to foam, about 3-5 minutes.
3Add heavy cream to the melted butter.
4Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6Gradually add the Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the cream mixture.
7The sauce should thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
8Stir in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
9Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10The sauce should be smooth and creamy, with a velvety texture.
11Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
12If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream or a bit of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
13If it is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.

🔧Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 32g💛Saturated Fat: 20g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 10g

📝Notes

Tips: For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. Add cooked pasta directly to the sauce for better absorption of flavors.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Alfredo Sauce from Scratch Works

One thing I love about this recipe is that it works well for any occasion – whether we’re having a big family dinner or just a quick weeknight meal.

My kids are always happy when they see this on the menu – who doesn’t love a good plate of pasta smothered in creamy cheese?

And because this recipe makes such large quantities, we can easily store leftovers for later use or freeze them for up to 3 months for future meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Alfredo Sauce from Scratch

What type of pasta is best for serving with alfredo sauce?

Fettuccine is the traditional choice for serving with alfredo sauce – its flat shape allows the creamy sauce to cling nicely to each strand.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of fresh Parmesan?

While pre-shredded cheese will work in a pinch, using fresh Parmesan will give your alfredo sauce so much more flavor and texture.

How long can I store alfredo sauce in the fridge?

You can store alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days – just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.

Can I make alfredo sauce without using heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk if you prefer – just be aware that your sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

Is it safe to reheat leftover alfredo sauce?

As long as you’re reheating your alfredo sauce over low heat and whisking constantly, there’s no reason why you can’t safely reheat leftover portions.

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