Description
This homemade Alfredo sauce recipe is a rich and creamy classic Italian sauce made with butter, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of garlic. Perfect for dressing pasta or as a decadent addition to your favorite dishes, this easy-to-make sauce can be prepared in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal quick and comforting meal enhancer.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (¾ stick)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream, room temperature
- 6.4 ounces freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Minced fresh thyme, optional
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
- Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for about 5 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce and blend flavors.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Be careful to keep the heat low to avoid the cheese from clumping or becoming grainy.
- Season the Sauce: Add kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir well. Optionally, add minced fresh thyme to enhance the flavor with a herbal note. Continue simmering for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve Warm: Remove the sauce from heat and serve immediately over cooked pasta, vegetables, or your preferred dishes to enjoy a velvety Alfredo sauce experience.
Notes
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the sauce better.
- If heavy cream is unavailable, combine whole milk with a small amount of melted full-fat butter as a substitute.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and texture; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Reheat gently if needed to avoid separation or curdling of the sauce.
- For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer while stirring frequently.
