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The Best 10-Minute Homemade Alfredo Sauce: Rich, Creamy & Easy

Close-up of fettuccine pasta coated in creamy homemade alfredo sauce, topped with grated Parmesan and black pepper.
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You can make a rich, creamy, restaurant-quality Alfredo sauce from scratch in just 10 minutes using only a few simple ingredients. Say goodbye to jarred sauce!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional, for depth)

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You want it fully melted but not browned.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 30 seconds until you can smell it. Do not let the garlic burn.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. You should see it lightly coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping.
  5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and the optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  6. Remove the sauce from the heat immediately. Toss with your favorite cooked pasta, like fettuccine, or use it as a topping for chicken or vegetables. Serve right away with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into your sauce.
  • If the sauce gets too thick while sitting, whisk in a tablespoon or two of warm pasta water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • For an extra rich, velvety texture similar to Olive Garden Alfredo sauce, you can substitute 2 tablespoons of the heavy cream with 2 ounces of softened cream cheese, whisking until fully incorporated before adding the Parmesan.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/homemade-alfredo-sauce/