Description
Classic Homemade Alfredo Sauce is a rich, creamy, and velvety sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for elevating pasta dishes, vegetables, or as a dip, this effortless recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor using simple pantry ingredients and quick techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Basic Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Melt the Butter
Begin by gently melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat to avoid browning, which keeps the sauce delicate and smooth. - Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring often to release its full aroma without burning. - Step 3: Pour in the Heavy Cream
Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to blend the butter and cream together into a silky mixture as it heats. - Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Allow the sauce to gently simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, to help it thicken naturally without curdling. - Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
Remove the pan from heat and gradually whisk in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich, creamy texture. - Step 6: Season and Serve
Finish with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste, then toss immediately with your favorite pasta or use as desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a silky smooth sauce.
- Cook the sauce on low heat to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess.
- Stir frequently during simmering to evenly thicken the sauce.
- Add Parmesan cheese off the heat to avoid graininess and clumping.
- Customize garlic amount or use roasted garlic for varying intensity of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg