scratch alfredo sauce recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best scratch alfredo sauce recipe

I’m so excited to share my scratch Alfredo sauce recipe with you. This classic Italian dish has been a staple in my household for years, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in yours too.

The rich, creamy sauce is made from just a few simple ingredients – butter, cream, Parmesan cheese, and pasta cooking water – which makes it a cinch to whip up at home. I love that this recipe is so versatile; it’s perfect for special occasions or everyday meals alike.

My kids devour it by the plateful, and I appreciate the health benefits of using fresh ingredients like Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Plus, the best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make from scratch! Just cook some fettuccine according to package directions, then toss it with the hot Alfredo sauce in a large serving bowl.

Serve immediately and enjoy! This recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen too.

Homemade Alfredo Sauce from Scratch

4.8 from 1968 votes

A rich and creamy Alfredo sauce made from scratch using simple ingredients. Perfect for pasta dishes.

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

🥘Ingredients

For the Sauce

1 cup unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For the Pasta

12 oz pasta, your choice of shape

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the saucepan over medium heat.
2Add the butter and let it melt, stirring occasionally until the butter is fully melted and bubbling gently.
3Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, ensuring it does not burn.
4Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously with a whisk to combine with the garlic and butter.
5Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
6Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
7Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
8Stir in the salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg.
9Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
10Remove from heat and set aside.
11Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
12Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
13Toss the cooked pasta with the Alfredo sauce, adding a little pasta water if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
14Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Saucepan
Wooden spoon
Whisk
Colander

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 105mg🧂Sodium: 850mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 12g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables to make it a complete meal. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.

Watch Video Of How Homemade Alfredo Sauce from Scratch Works

This scratch Alfredo sauce recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re planning a family gathering or just need something delicious for dinner tonight. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make from scratch! Just remember to store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days and reheat it gently before serving.

You can also freeze individual portions of cooked fettuccine with the hot Alfredo sauce for future meals.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Alfredo Sauce from Scratch

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of Parmesan?

No, I wouldn’t recommend using pre-shredded cheese for this recipe. The flavor and texture of freshly shredded Parmesan are essential to the authentic taste of Alfredo sauce. If you don’t have time to shred your own cheese, consider investing in a good quality pre-shredded Parmesan or buying a block of Parmesan and shredding it yourself.

Q: Can I substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk?

While you can use half-and-half or whole milk as substitutes in a pinch, keep in mind that they’ll alter the flavor profile of your Alfredo sauce. Heavy cream provides the rich, creamy texture that makes Alfredo sauce so distinctive.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

No, I wouldn’t recommend making this Alfredo sauce ahead of time. The flavors will meld together beautifully when cooked fresh, but reheating a pre-made sauce can result in an unappetizing texture.

Q: Can I add protein like cooked chicken or shrimp to this Alfredo sauce?

Yes! Adding cooked chicken or shrimp is an excellent way to turn this simple pasta dish into a hearty meal.

Q: Why does this recipe call for pasta cooking water?

The pasta cooking water contains starchy goodness that helps thicken the Alfredo sauce naturally.

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