Alfredo Sauce Recipe – How to Make Creamy Homemade Alfredo

What is Alfredo Sauce ?

Traditional Alfredo sauce recipe is a simple yet rich white cream sauce made with just butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. While the classic version is delicious on its own, I love enhancing it with a touch of garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. These extra flavors make the Alfredo sauce even more irresistible!

How to Make Alfredo Sauce

Start by gently warming the butter and heavy cream in a large saucepan over low heat. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t come to a boil.

Once warm, whisk in the garlic and seasonings. Keep whisking for about a minute to lightly cook the garlic and infuse the sauce with flavor.

Finally, add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth.

For the best results, always use freshly grated Parmesan straight from the block — it melts better and gives a creamy texture. Pre-grated cheese from a shaker can make your sauce grainy, so it’s best to avoid it.

The Parmesan naturally thickens the sauce, but if it still feels too thin, let it rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

If you love making your own homemade sauces, check out more easy homemade sauce recipes.

Ingredients

2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cups heavy whipping cream

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, add the butter and heavy cream.
2. Simmer over low heat for about 2 minutes, making sure it doesn’t boil.
3. Whisk in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking for 1 minute to blend the flavors.
4. Add the Parmesan cheese and whisk until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Serve immediately over your favorite pasta, chicken, or vegetables.

Nutrition
Calories: 535 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an estimate only.

Tips for the Creamiest Alfredo Sauce

For an Alfredo sauce that promises ultimate creaminess, select high-quality ingredients such as fresh Parmesan cheese, real butter, and rich heavy cream—they are the secret to exceptional texture and taste. Cooking over low heat with continual stirring prevents separation of the ingredients, preserving the sauce’s ideal consistency. To achieve a flawless finish, incorporate a little pasta cooking water, which mingles with the sauce, providing a silky texture. Adding cheese gradually and allowing it to melt evenly is essential for a smooth blend. Lastly, seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and a hint of nutmeg introduces an extra depth that tantalizes the taste buds.

– High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh cheese, real butter, and cream for best results.

– Low Heat: Prevents separation and ensures smoothness.

– Pasta Cooking Water: Assists in achieving desired consistency.

– Gradual Cheese Addition: Prevents clumping and ensures melting.

– Seasoning: Enhance depth with black pepper and nutmeg.

The History of Alfredo Sauce Recipe

The origins of the Alfredo sauce recipe trace back to Rome in the early 20th century. It was created by Alfredo di Lelio in 1914 at his restaurant, “Alfredo alla Scrofa.” The original version was much simpler than what we know today—just butter and Parmesan cheese tossed with fresh fettuccine. The heat from the pasta melted the butter and cheese into a smooth, rich coating without cream or garlic.

The dish gained international fame when Hollywood actors Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks visited Rome on their honeymoon in the 1920s. They loved it so much that they brought the recipe back to the United States. Over time, the American version evolved into the creamy Alfredo sauce recipe we enjoy today, with heavy cream, garlic, and additional seasonings for extra richness.

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