What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This creamy Alfredo sauce is quick to make and tastes just like your favorite restaurant dish, but even better because it’s homemade. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up with just a few pantry staples.
- Rich and creamy—every bite is smooth, velvety, and packed with cheesy goodness.
- Ready in minutes—no need to wait, this sauce comes together faster than takeout.
- Easy to customize—add chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it your own.
Recipe
Creamy, rich, and indulgent, homemade Alfredo sauce is a classic favorite that’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a velvety sauce that coats pasta perfectly.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Whisk
Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine
Italian
Serving
4-6 servings
Nutrition
Per serving, homemade Alfredo sauce provides essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 500mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10g |
| Protein | 8g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade Alfredo with garlic bread varieties, like cheesy pull-apart rolls or crispy garlic knots. Steamed veggies, such as broccoli or green beans, add a fresh crunch that balances the creamy sauce perfectly. You can mix and match these sides to create your favorite combo!
Garlic Bread Varieties
When I make homemade alfredo, I always think about pairing it with garlic bread, because the combination feels like a match made in comfort food heaven. I like to switch up my garlic bread game—sometimes it’s classic with butter, garlic, and parsley. Other times, I add a sprinkle of Parmesan or mozzarella for extra richness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll use a baguette or ciabatta for a crunchy crust and soft center. For a twist, I’ll spread herbed cream cheese or add a dash of paprika. No matter the style, garlic bread adds that perfect savory bite to balance creamy alfredo.
Steamed Vegetable Sides
Because creamy alfredo pairs so well with fresh, healthy sides, I love steaming vegetables to balance out the richness. My go-tos are broccoli, carrots, and zucchini—they’re quick, easy, and add a pop of color to the plate. I steam them just until tender, so they keep their crunch and nutrients. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little salt or drizzle olive oil for extra flavor. If I’m feeling fancy, I toss in a pinch of garlic powder or lemon zest. It’s a simple way to make the meal feel complete, and it helps me enjoy my pasta without feeling too heavy afterward.
