Description
This Best Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce perfect for pasta, grilled chicken, or vegetables. Made with simple ingredients like butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and brings authentic Italian-American comfort to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 2–3 cloves)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to incorporate flavors and prevent burning.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and melted completely, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Season and Thicken: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg if using. Continue to simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon perfectly.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the sauce from heat. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and color. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, grilled chicken, or steamed vegetables for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools; serve immediately or gently reheat with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your Parmesan’s saltiness.
- Ground nutmeg is optional but adds a subtle warm depth to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
