A rich and velvety homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. This easy, restaurant-quality sauce is perfect for pasta, chicken, or seafood!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make – Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
Rich and creamy – A luxurious texture that coats pasta beautifully.
Versatile – Perfect for fettuccine, chicken, shrimp, or even as a dipping sauce.
Restaurant-quality – Tastes just like the classic Alfredo from your favorite Italian restaurant.
Customizable – Adjust seasonings, add proteins, or mix in veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter
1½ cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes, but do not boil.
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for another minute.
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Remove from heat and let the sauce sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
Toss with your favorite pasta, or drizzle over grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
Extra Garlic Flavor: Add roasted garlic for a deeper, sweeter garlic taste.
Cheese Blend: Mix in Romano or Asiago cheese for added depth.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Protein Addition: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: Warm gently on low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore consistency.

FAQs

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.

Why did my Alfredo sauce turn grainy?

This happens if the cheese is added too quickly or the heat is too high. Stir gently and add cheese gradually.

How do I thicken Alfredo sauce?

Let the sauce sit for a few minutes off heat, or add a little more Parmesan cheese.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If storing, reheat slowly and add a little cream to restore consistency.

What pasta pairs best with Alfredo sauce?

Fettuccine is the classic choice, but penne, linguine, or even gnocchi work great.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and Parmesan.

How can I make this sauce gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just pair it with gluten-free pasta.

What can I serve Alfredo sauce with besides pasta?

It’s delicious over roasted veggies, chicken, shrimp, or even as a dip for breadsticks.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Just adjust ingredient quantities accordingly and use a larger pan.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Avoid overheating, stir constantly, and add cheese gradually.

Conclusion

This Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce is a quick and delicious way to elevate any meal. Whether tossed with pasta, drizzled over chicken, or used as a dipping sauce, its rich and velvety texture makes it a comforting favorite. Try different variations to make it your own and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home!

Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich, velvety homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and Parmesan. This easy, restaurant-quality sauce is perfect for pasta!

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter
1½ cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons minced garlic
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes, but do not boil.
Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook for another minute.
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Remove from heat and let the sauce sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
Toss with your favorite pasta, or drizzle over grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk to adjust consistency.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently over low heat.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian