I can’t believe that it’s taken me this long to share my Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe!
I got this recipe from my brother-in-law and have been tweaking it ever since.
It’s so velvety, smooth, and creamy – the PERFECT homemade Alfredo Sauce. Oh – and I should mention that there is a secret ingredient in this recipe… read on for that 🙂
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Main Ingredients: Whole milk, parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, fresh garlic, pepper, and more
- Servings: 4
- Extras: Serve with any pasta you like, and I suggest adding grilled chicken and sauteed broccoli to make a filling dinner
- Tip: My secret addition? Cream cheese to give my Alfredo a hint of sweetness and make it even creamier
Quick Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Here’s the play-by-play to make Alfredo sauce:
First, take half stick of unsalted butter in a saucepan with some olive oil, and add a clove of chopped or pressed garlic with teh melted butter.
Saute the minced garlic for just a minute or two, and then add the milk to stop the garlic from cooking.
NOW here’s the secret ingredient – cream cheese! It makes it smooth, thick sauce and adds a touch of sweetness. SO. GOOD.
You might want to chop it into smaller cubes before you place it in the pan so that it melts faster.
Go ahead and add all the remaining ingredients, and slowly bring to a boil over low-medium heat.
Feel free to change up the seasoning however you like at this stage- add red pepper flakes for heat, oregano for a classic Italian taste, rosemary for an earthy taste, and more.
It helps to use a wire whisk while heating to break up the cream cheese and mix in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Once it starts to bubble and smooth, it is ready to serve!
I love the classic fettuccini Alfredo, with some grilled chicken and fresh sauteed broccoli for added nutrition to make it a full dish.
Quick Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 oz. cream cheese
- ½ stick unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried basil or some fresh basil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch of nutmeg
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan, melt butter and oil over medium heat and add the garlic.
- Saute garlic for 1 or 2 minutes, then add the milk and all other ingredients.
- Heat over medium heat - stirring often with a wire whisk until well blended and sauce starts to bubble.
- Serve with ½ lb. of pasta and/or vegetables.
FAQs
What is an authentic Alfredo sauce made from?
Authentic Alfredo sauce is made from butter, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Seasonings like garlic or black pepper vary per family recipe, but the base is always the same.
This dairy-base creates a rich and creamy sauce that is perfect for pairing with pasta dishes.
I swapped the heavy cream with cream cheese to make a thicker sauce, and was very happy with the results.
Is Alfredo sauce really an Italian sauce?
Yes, Alfredo sauce is a traditional Italian sauce that originated in Rome.
It was originally made with just butter and parmesan cheese but has since evolved to include other ingredients, such as heavy cream and garlic.
I love a good spaghetti sauce, and had to branch out to Alfredo sauce, since the jarred stuff just doesn’t compare to a good restaurant sauce!
How can I make a smooth Alfredo sauce?
To make Alfredo sauce that’s as smooth as can be, it is important to use a whisk while heating the sauce.
This will help break up any clumps of parmesan cheese and create a smooth texture.
Adding the ingredients slowly and melting the cream cheese before adding the remaining ingredients can also help achieve a smoother consistency.
Can I use low-fat milk or cheese in Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk or cheese in Alfredo sauce, but it may cause lumps.
The lack of fat content can keep low-fat cheese melting completely, and low-fat milk needs low and slow heat to keep from making small clumps
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a homemade Alfredo sauce.
This basic Alfredo sauce recipe is perfect for beginners and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
The secret ingredient of cream cheese adds a unique touch to this traditional Italian sauce, making it even more delicious.
Whether you use it in pasta dishes or as a dipping sauce, this Quick Homemade Alfredo Sauce is sure to become a family favorite.
So grab your whisk and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.
