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Creamy Alfredo sauce

Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe

What I love most about this Alfredo sauce is how simple it is. Just a few ingredients, things you probably already have in your kitchen, come together to make something that tastes like a restaurant-style meal. It’s buttery, cheesy, and melts beautifully into pasta.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Sauce
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  • Microplane or cheese grater
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of ground nutmeg for extra warmth and depth
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Melt the butter (2–3 minutes):

  • Place your saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. Let it melt slowly, but don’t let it brown—this sauce should stay creamy and light, not nutty like browned butter.

Add the garlic (30 seconds–1 minute):

  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn—burnt garlic can make the sauce taste bitter.

Pour in the heavy cream (2–3 minutes):

  • Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, not a boil.
  • Pro tip: Keep the heat medium-low to avoid curdling or scorching.

Simmer and reduce slightly (3–4 minutes):

  • Let the cream and butter mixture bubble gently. This step thickens it up just a bit and blends the flavors.
  • Be patient while stirring—this is where the magic happens!

Add the Parmesan cheese (2–3 minutes):

  • Lower the heat to low and sprinkle in the cheese a little at a time, stirring constantly until it melts completely.
  • Pro tip: Don’t dump all the cheese in at once or it may clump. Slow and steady wins here.

Season to taste (1 minute):

  • Add salt and black pepper to your liking. If you're using nutmeg, add a small pinch here too. Stir everything together one last time.

Serve immediately:

  • Pour the Alfredo sauce over hot pasta, give it a good toss, and enjoy while it’s fresh and creamy. Top with parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

Notes

Nutritional Value (Per Serving – based on sauce only)

  • Calories: 420–450
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 3–5g
  • Protein: 10–12g
  • Sodium: 400–500mg
  • Sugar: 1g
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Nutrition Disclaimer:
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.
Keyword alfredo sauce, creamy alfredo sauce, sauce recipe