Name: Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional); Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Description

This creamy homemade Alfredo sauce is a rich and velvety classic Italian-American sauce made with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect to elevate pasta dishes, chicken, or vegetables with its smooth texture and savory flavor, this easy stovetop sauce comes together in just 15 minutes and is a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

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Alfredo Sauce Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, providing the rich base for your Alfredo sauce.
Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 30–60 seconds, until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the sauce with subtle garlic flavor.
Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to combine flavors.
Incorporate Parmesan: Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has melted completely.
Season Sauce: Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
Simmer to Thicken: Continue to simmer the sauce gently for 2–3 more minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly to your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat and serve immediately over pasta, chicken, or vegetables. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for added color and freshness.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor as pre-shredded cheeses may not melt as smoothly.
The sauce thickens as it cools; add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Not ideal for freezing but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.