Description
This creamy homemade Alfredo sauce is a rich and velvety Italian classic made with butter, heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic and nutmeg. Perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta, it offers a smooth texture and deep cheesy flavor that elevates any dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, ensuring the garlic retains its delicate flavor.
- Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This helps to blend the flavors and begin thickening the sauce.
- Whisk in Parmesan Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy without any lumps.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Continue to simmer the sauce gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking and to allow slight thickening.
- Serve: Remove the sauce from heat. Immediately pour over cooked pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve promptly for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor; pre-shredded cheese may result in a grainy texture.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately or thin with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent separation.
- For a lighter version, consider substituting half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
