Classic Homemade Alfredo Sauce
- A rich, velvety alfredo sauce made with real Parmesan cheese and fresh garlic.
- This authentic Italian cream sauce transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary meal.
- Perfect for fettuccine, but versatile enough for countless delicious applications.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water (if needed to adjust consistency)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let simmer for 1-2 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese in three batches, whisking thoroughly after each addition until completely melted.
- Continue cooking while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and the optional pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin with a small amount of reserved pasta water, adding just a tablespoon at a time.
- Serve immediately over freshly cooked pasta.
Notes
- For best results, grate your Parmesan cheese fresh – pre-grated varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, so serve immediately after preparing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to restore consistency.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 489
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 105
Keywords: alfredo sauce, fettuccine alfredo, creamy pasta sauce, parmesan cream sauce, italian alfredo