How to Make Creamy Homemade Alfredo Sauce From Scratch

Making Creamy and Delicious Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a creamy, dreamy pasta sauce made from butter, cream and Parmesan cheese. It's rich, velvety smooth and full of flavor. While you can easily buy jarred alfredo sauce at the grocery store, nothing beats homemade. Making alfredo sauce at home is surprisingly easy. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of technique, you can make restaurant-quality alfredo sauce in no time. Keep reading to learn how to make the best homemade alfredo sauce from scratch.

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients

The ingredients for alfredo sauce are simple - butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt and pepper. Here's what you'll need:

• Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter. Butter gives the sauce its signature creaminess.
• Heavy cream: The higher the fat content the better. Heavy whipping cream or heavy cream contains around 36-40% milk fat.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor. Use good quality cheese here.
• Garlic: Minced or grated garlic provides aromatic flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
• Pasta cooking water: The starchy pasta water helps thicken the sauce.

How to Make Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Making homemade alfredo sauce takes just 10 minutes with these simple steps:

1. Melt butter: Heat butter in a saucepan until melted. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add cream: Pour in heavy cream and whisk continuously as it heats up. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Whisk in cheese: Reduce heat to low and slowly add Parmesan, whisking constantly until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
4. Season: Remove from heat. Season with salt, pepper and a splash of pasta water to thin.
5. Toss with pasta: Add freshly cooked hot pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
6. Garnish: Top with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.

Tips for the Best Homemade Alfredo

Follow these tips for creamy, flavorful homemade alfredo sauce every time:

• Use high-quality ingredients. Butter, cream and Parmesan are key.
• Adjust cream amount. More cream makes a looser sauce.
• Grate the Parmesan fresh. Pre-grated cheese won't melt as nicely.
• Cook over low heat. High heat risks the sauce curdling or separating.
• Stir constantly. This helps prevent burning on the bottom.
• Add pasta water. The starchy water thickens and binds the sauce.
• Use freshly cooked hot pasta. This helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

Simple Variations

Once you master the classic version, try these easy variations for new flavors:

• Garlic Alfredo: Add extra minced garlic or roast a head of garlic to blend into the sauce.
• Mushroom Alfredo: Saute chopped mushrooms and add to the alfredo sauce.
• Chicken Alfredo: Top with sauteed chicken breast or shrimp.
• Pesto Alfredo: Swirl in a couple spoonfuls of pesto sauce.
• Vegetable Alfredo: Add any sauteed vegetables like broccoli, spinach or zucchini.

How to Store and Reheat

Homemade alfredo sauce will keep for 3-4 days stored in the refrigerator. Here are some storage tips:

• Let it cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface.
• Store for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently over low heat until warmed through.
• Add cream or pasta water if the sauce thickens up.

Enjoy Restaurant Worthy Alfredo at Home

With just a few pantry staples and 10 minutes, you can have creamy, dreamy homemade alfredo sauce ready to toss with hot pasta. Made from scratch, this alfredo is on another level compared to store-bought jars. The flavorful Parmesan cheese and velvety texture make it totally irresistible. Once you try this easy homemade version, you'll never go back to the store-bought stuff again. So ditch the jar of alfredo and whip up this recipe for fast, fresh and incredibly delicious homemade alfredo sauce tonight.

FAQs

Can I make alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make homemade alfredo sauce up to 4 days ahead. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before refrigerating. When ready to use, gently reheat over low heat until warmed through, adding more cream or pasta water if needed to thin out.

Is alfredo sauce freezing friendly?

Homemade alfredo sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Let the sauce cool completely before freezing. Portion into freezer bags or airtight containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently over low heat.

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream?

It's best to use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream with around 36-40% milk fat for a creamy, rich alfredo sauce. Half and half at 12-18% milk fat may split or curdle more easily. If substituting, use 3/4 cup half and half for every 1/2 cup heavy cream.

What can I serve with alfredo sauce?

Homemade alfredo sauce is delicious tossed with fettuccine or linguine. It also pairs well with chicken, shrimp, broccoli, mushrooms and other vegetables. Garlic bread, salad and wine make great accompaniments.

How can I make alfredo sauce healthier?

Substitute 1/2 the butter with olive oil or chicken broth. Use whole milk or half and half instead of heavy cream. Go lighter on the cheese and add spinach, broccoli or mushrooms. Make sure to use whole wheat or veggie pasta.