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Creamy 4 ingredient homemade Alfredo sauce on a plate of fettuccine pasta.

Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce

A quick and comforting Alfredo sauce made with just four ingredients: butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Control the salt later if using salted butter.
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced Fresh garlic tastes best, but pre-minced can work.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Half and half can be used but results in a thinner sauce.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is preferred for smoother melting.
Seasoning
  • Salt To taste, adjust according to Parmesan's saltiness.
  • Black pepper To taste.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Warm a medium saucepan over medium low heat.
  2. Add the butter and let it melt gently.
  3. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, allowing it to warm for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Slowly add the grated Parmesan while stirring continuously to ensure it melts smoothly.
  6. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, usually about 2 to 4 minutes.
  7. Taste the sauce, then add black pepper and salt if necessary based on taste.
  8. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water; if too thin, let it simmer on low heat for an additional minute while stirring.

Notes

Alfredo sauce is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of milk if it thickens too much. Avoid high heat to prevent clumping.