Description
A velvety, rich Alfredo sauce made with just butter, cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese—this classic Italian sauce is a must-know staple for any home cook. It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic meals, or cozy gatherings. Toss it with fettuccine for a traditional dish or use it as a creamy base for chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. With a silky-smooth texture and bold cheesy flavor, this simple Alfredo sauce will quickly become your favorite go-to comfort recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 clove garlic (minced), pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Melt butter in a wide saucepan over medium heat. If using garlic, sauté it in the butter until fragrant.
- Add the cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes on medium-low heat.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly until smooth and melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately over hot pasta or store for later.
Notes
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest texture.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Serve with fresh parsley, black pepper, and crusty bread for a restaurant-style experience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg