Easy Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce
This classic Alfredo sauce is extra rich and incredibly creamy, made with simple ingredients like butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan. This homemade Alfredo comes together in just 15 minutes and makes the perfect creamy pasta sauce for coating all your favorite noodles.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning optional, for extra flavor
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg optional but traditional
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- 12 ounces fettuccine or pasta of choice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic (if using) and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Toss the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen it up and thin the sauce.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.
Video
Notes
Nutritional info includes 12 ounces of fettuccini pasta
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave as desired.Nutrition
Calories: 995kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 70g | Saturated Fat: 42g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 266mg | Sodium: 702mg | Potassium: 380mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2403IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 435mg | Iron: 2mg
