Description
A rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 10 minutes, this smooth and flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta, gnocchi, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it begins to foam.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, making sure it does not burn.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for about 2–3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Reduce the heat to low and allow the sauce to thicken slightly for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve immediately over pasta, gnocchi, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
- Add extra garlic if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives can be added just before serving for extra freshness.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of milk or cream to loosen it.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat while stirring to prevent separation.
- Alfredo sauce does not freeze well because dairy can separate.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
