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Easy 15-Minute Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

A fork lifts fettuccine noodles coated in creamy, stretchy homemade alfredo sauce, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

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Make a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce from scratch in just 15 minutes using simple ingredients. This recipe proves you can create gourmet pasta topping without complexity.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. If you are using garlic, add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  2. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  3. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, ensuring each addition is fully melted and incorporated before adding more. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and thickened slightly.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Toss immediately with your favorite cooked pasta, like fettuccine, or use as a rich creamy sauce for chicken or vegetables.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick upon standing, whisk in a tablespoon of warm milk or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe makes a classic Parmesan cream sauce. For a variation, you can substitute 4 ounces of cream cheese for 1/2 cup of the heavy cream for an even richer texture.

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