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Best Alfredo Sauce Recipe

4.6 from 99 reviews

This classic Alfredo sauce recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce perfect for coating your favorite pasta. Made with butter, garlic, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it’s simple to prepare and ready in just minutes. Whether you serve it with fettuccine, penne, or any pasta of your choice, this Alfredo sauce elevates any dish with indulgent flavor and smooth texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
  • 1 clove garlic (minced, optional)
  • 1 tablespoon flour (optional, see notes)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (plus more to taste)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butter and Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium to medium-low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. If you prefer your Alfredo sauce without garlic, you can omit this step.
  2. Add Flour and Seasonings: Stir in the flour, salt, and black pepper. This helps to thicken the sauce and build flavor.
  3. Create the Roux: Whisk continuously until a thick, golden paste forms, known as a roux. Reduce heat if necessary to prevent it from burning.
  4. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy whipping cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking gently for about 4-5 minutes, maintaining a gentle simmer but not boiling the sauce.
  5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and immediately remove the skillet from heat to prevent the cheese from overcooking.
  6. Thicken the Sauce Off Heat: Off the heat, whisk the sauce for another minute until the sauce thickens evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt and black pepper.
  7. Serve: Pour over your cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or penne. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your creamy, homemade Alfredo sauce.

Notes

  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, omit the flour or substitute with a gluten-free alternative.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor—avoid pre-grated versions which contain anti-caking agents.
  • Do not boil the sauce after adding cream to prevent curdling.
  • For a garlic-free variation, skip the garlic in step 1.
  • This sauce is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and texture.

Keywords: Alfredo sauce, creamy Alfredo, pasta sauce, Parmesan cheese sauce, homemade Alfredo, easy Alfredo sauce