Description
This Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce is a rich and velvety Italian classic made with butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for tossing with fettuccine, it delivers indulgent flavor with simple ingredients and can be customized with additions like chicken or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped parsley for serving
To Serve
- Cooked fettuccine
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and to release the garlic’s aroma.
- Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to combine.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese a little at a time, allowing it to fully melt and create a smooth sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using) to the sauce. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Toss with Pasta and Serve: Toss the creamy Alfredo sauce with hot cooked fettuccine. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, resulting in a better texture.
- For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or steamed broccoli to the sauce along with the pasta.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of pasta cooking water or milk to reach your preferred consistency.
