Alfredo Sauce
This simple yet indulgent Alfredo Sauce recipe creates the creamiest, most flavorful sauce with just a few basic ingredients. Perfect for any pasta dish.
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream or use half-and-half for a lighter version
- 2 cloves garlic minced (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese use freshly grated, not pre-grated for the best flavor
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg optional, for extra depth of flavor
Notes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Melt the Butter
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- If you're using garlic, add it to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
-
Add the Heavy Cream
- Once the butter is fully melted, pour in the heavy cream.
- Stir to combine and bring it to a simmer. Be careful not to let it boil, as this could cause the cream to separate.
-
Simmer and Thicken
- Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
-
Stir in Parmesan Cheese
- Lower the heat to low and begin adding the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cheese in small handfuls, stirring constantly, until it fully melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
-
Season the Sauce
- Taste the sauce and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.
- For a richer taste, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg at this point.
-
Combine with Pasta
- Once the sauce is smooth and creamy, toss it with your cooked pasta.
- Make sure the pasta is still hot so that it absorbs the sauce well.
-
Serve and Garnish
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs like parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a full meal.