This quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce recipe is so much better than anything you can buy in a jar! Freshly grated parmesan, garlic, butter, heavy cream and more come together in just 15 minutes to make the very best pasta sauce.
Enjoy more of the very best pasta sauce recipes like Pesto Spinach Alfredo Sauce and Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce!
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This easy Alfredo Sauce is one of my favorite pasta sauce recipes! It’s such a basic recipe that’s fail-proof and always satisfies. Plus, it uses inexpensive staple ingredients that I always keep on hand!
After I first made this alfredo sauce recipe years ago, I never went back to the jarred stuff again. The real deal is SO easy to make and the difference in flavor and consistency is huge.
Next time you have a hankering for your favorite creamy white sauce, this is the recipe to turn to!
We love it on these Chicken Bacon Alfredo Potato Skins, this Chicken Alfredo Pizza or in these Chicken Alfredo Quesadillas!
Why we love this Easy Alfredo Sauce recipe:
- Budget Friendly: If you take a quick look at the ingredients listed below, you may notice something… there’s barely anything there! This easy Alfredo recipe comes together with simple ingredients that you may already have.
- Picky Eater Approved: I can always count on this alfredo sauce to get eaten up by even the pickiest eaters at the table. It makes dinner with little ones so much easier!
- Homemade: Trust me, the jarred sauces can’t come close to the real deal. This Alfredo sauce recipe is made from scratch and you can tell by both the flavor and consistency!
- So Easy: One pan, basic ingredients, and about 15 minutes of your time… that’s all you need to make the very best Alfredo sauce. It’s truly a foolproof recipe that always gets the job done. I love this creamy sauce!
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients:
- Cream: Heavy whipping cream is the only cream to use for alfredo sauce. A lighter cream will not reduce naturally while it simmers and won’t have as rich of a flavor. If you need to use a low fat cream, whisk it with a tablespoon of cornstarch before using to thicken it.
- Parmesan: Try to use freshly grated parmesan cheese right off the block for the best flavor and consistency.
- Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter. That way, you can add the desired amount of salt to taste and better control the amount of sodium in your sauce.
- Garlic: Measure with your heart! I recommend using fresh garlic as opposed to pre-minced or dried in this pasta dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These can both be measured to taste. If you use salted butter, you may want to omit the extra sprinkle of salt.
- Parsley: This gives an extra pop of vibrant color and herbaceous taste that’s so nice! I recommend using fresh parsley for the very best flavor, not dried.
How to make Alfredo Sauce:
Take a quick look at how easy it is to make homemade Alfredo sauce! For more details about the ingredient measurements and the step by step process, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add butter. When the butter is melted, add minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper and cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for just 10-20 minutes, stirring often, until thickened slightly.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and parsley. Taste and add seasonings if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
- Parmesan and Garlic: You can certainly measure both the parmesan and garlic with your heart! Add more or less as you see fit.
- Swap the cheese: another hard, flavorful cheese will work great! Try Grana Padano, Romano or Asiago are delicious as well.
- Seasonings: Alfredo sauce really doesn’t need too many seasonings to make it shine. If you’d like to sprinkle anything else in the mix, a little garlic powder (to really double down on that garlicky goodness) or some Italian seasoning go a long way.
- Make it Cajun: add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the mix for extra kick!
How to store Easy Alfredo Sauce
This alfredo sauce is best served right after it’s prepared! The fat can separate when cooled and reheated. If you do need to reheat it, just toss it with some hot freshly cooked pasta for best results and avoid the microwave.
Can I freeze Alfredo Sauce?
Yes! Just note that the fat will likely separate. Freeze alfredo sauce for up to 3 months in an airtight container and let it defrost in the refrigerator. See notes above for how to best reheat with fresh hot pasta!
Serving suggestions:
Serve your alfredo sauce the way it should always be served – with lots of fettuccine noodles!
I love plating this creamy pasta next to a Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast or this Baked Chicken Breast if you don’t have an air fryer! Baked Chicken Thighs are also a huge hit with this pasta! You can also add some Homemade Meatballs to the mix for a boost of protein.
Of course, I really love rounding out my plate with some veggies like Air Fryer Broccoli and Roasted Vegetables.
More Easy Alfredo Recipes You’ll Love!
- Chicken Alfredo Bake — great for making head!
- Instant Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta — a mostly hands-off meal.
- Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo — made in one pan!
- Chicken Broccoli Alfredo — for a green veggie boost.
Easy Alfredo Sauce recipe
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted butter
- 2 cloves minced garlic (finely minced)
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the butter.
- When the butter is melted, add minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper and cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in cream and bring to a low simmer. Cook for 10-20 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened slightly (the longer it cooks, the more it will reduce).
- Stir in parmesan and fresh parsley (as much as desired). Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Notes
- Butter: I use unsalted butter so that I can add salt to my tastes. If you are using salted butter, omit the added salt and add at the end before serving.
- Cream: Heavy whipping cream is the only cream to use here. A lighter cream will not reduce naturally while it simmers, and will not have as rich a flavor. If you need to use low fat cream, whisk it together with a tablespoon of corn starch before adding to the pan.
- Parmesan & Garlic: feel free to add these with your heart.
Nutrition Information
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Jessica Rodriguez says
It was the very first time I’ve made Alfredo sauce. I made this last night. It came out delicious. My husband and son absolutely enjoyed it. Thanks for the recipe.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Jessica!
Sheila says
We loved this so much. Very fresh flavor and not overbearing like some jarred sauces. Will be making it often! Thank you!!
Heather says
Oh my goodness – made this tonight and it is delicious! Added sautéed mushrooms and spinach and YUM!!!! Definitely making it again.
The Recipe Rebel says
Thanks Heather!
Tim says
I use cream cheese instead of heavy cream and add a little mozzarella. Game changer
The Recipe Rebel says
Glad it worked for you!
Sandra Dunn says
I so want to make this Alfredo sauce but the recipe is for 8. How do I reduce the recipe for 1 or 2. Many thanks.
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Sandra, if you hit the print button it helps you change the servings and amount. Or if you want 2 servings you can divide each amount by half, and then half again. Enjoy!