This creamy homemade Alfredo sauce is pure comfort and makes this pasta feel extra special – even on a weeknight. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor thanks to the garlic, cream, butter, and loads of parmesan. Total heaven in a bowl.
Both of my kids, despite being the children of a food blogger are picky eaters. They LOVE it when I make fettuccine alfredo, and gobble this up like it’s their job, which makes MY job a lot easier! You know you’re on a winner when there is absolute silence around the family dinner table, aside from forks scraping and mmmm noises.
For another creamy chicken dinner, try my Chicken Mushroom Pasta – it features tender chicken and mushrooms tossed in a garlicky parmesan sauce. If you’re a creamy pasta person, you will also love my Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake, and you’ve gotta try this marry me chicken pasta too.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
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You guys. This is the homemade Alfredo sauce recipe you’ve been looking for. It’s smooth, creamy, and packed with flavor. Everyone who tries it raves, and I get why. It’s that good.
Store-bought Alfredo just doesn’t hit the same. Luckily, this version comes together fast on the stovetop and skips the flour-heavy béchamel style. It’s rich from cream, butter, cream cheese, and parmesan. Definitely not diet food… unless you’re doing keto and spooning it over zucchini noodles. Then you’re good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cheese should I use?
The traditional choice is Parmesan, but some recipes use a combination of Parmesan and another cheese like Pecorino Romano for a more nuanced flavor.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
You can, but if you want a smooth, creamy sauce – grab a wedge and shred it yourself. Pre-grated parmesan and romano cheese has anti caking agents (so it won’t all stick together in the bag) which can make your sauce gritty.
Why this is the best homemade alfredo sauce
- Quick & Easy. Make the sauce while the pasta cooks!
- Simple ingredients. Ones you probably already have on hand!
- A great recipe to use in other recipes and pasta dishes that use Alfredo Sauce.
What to serve with Alfredo sauce
Pair this with your favorite pasta (I love delicious homemade fettuccine noodles), some peas or steamed broccoli, and make this a GREAT family meal!
Serve garlic bread, garlic knots or breadsticks on the side.
Add some protein.
Use the alfredo sauce with your favorite pizza dough, and make a killer white pizza. Make chicken alfredo pasta with grilled chicken. Grill up some shrimp and you’ve got Shrimp Alfredo.
For another creamy chicken dinner, try my Chicken Mushroom Pasta – it features tender chicken and mushrooms tossed in a garlicky parmesan sauce.
Key Recipe Ingredients
Remember: this is just an overview and the why of the ingredients I choose here. The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Butter. Use salted butter, although we do add salt and the parmesan is salty, I still like the added flavor. Cut it into small pieces for easy melting. If using unsalted butter, test for consistency and flavor.
- Cream. This means heavy cream (also known as heavy whipping cream). You could substitute half & half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Cream cheese You can use reduced fat if you wish (but if you’re making this you probably aren’t all that concerned!) Do cut it into small pieces for easy melting.
- Garlic. Traditional alfredo recipes do not include garlic, but mine does as it is an American-style alfredo sauce! We love garlic, so if you’re a fan, add it it. Fresh garlic cloves are best. You could sub garlic powder, but it won’t have that powerful garlic punch that makes this sauce exceptional.
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. there are measurements in the recipe, but feel free to ramp it up, or dial it back depending on your preferences. I use kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add a pinch of nutmeg for added flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Buy a wedge of this, and grate it yourself using a microplane or the side of a box grater.
- Pasta. I like fettuccine, but any kind will do – use your favorite pasta.
- Chicken. Any cooked chicken will do. Grilled chicken, or baked chicken breast is perfect!
How to make Alfredo Sauce at home
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Get prepped
Begin by cooking your pasta in of salted, boiling water. You’ll want it al dente: which is cooked but still slightly firm to the bite. Mince the garlic and measure the seasonings.
STEP 1: Melt the butter, cream cheese and cream in a large skillet over medium heat.
STEP 2: Whisk until smooth.
STEP 3: Add the minced garlic, salt and pepper and Italian seasoning and allow to thicken at a bare simmer – just a few minutes.
STEP 4: Remove from the heat, whisk until the sauce is smooth.
Add the freshly cooked pasta to the sauce. Save and add a little pasta water for a thinner sauce if needed. Toss with tongs to combine.
STEP 5: Top with shredded parmesan cheese.
STEP 6: Toss again
STEP 7: Add the chicken and peas, if using.
STEP 9: Devour.
Kylee’s Notes
Pair this sauce with your favorite pasta. Fettucine, spaghetti or any of the short pasta types will work.
This recipe makes about 3 cups of sauce, which is enough sauce for 2lb of fresh pasta.
Grab your ingredients and measure them out before you begin. This is a fairly quick recipe, so you’ll need them at hand as you go.
Keep whisking!! You want this to be a smooth, thick sauce.
Storage
Store leftover alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating Alfredo Sauce
You will want to reheat gently, on low heat to avoid the sauce separating. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to help restore its creamy texture.
Garnish ideas
A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes pretty presentation.
Do you love Pasta Recipes? Here are a few more that I love:
- Classic Weeknight Tuna Noodle Casserole – you could actually use this easy Alfredo Sauce recipe in place of the canned soup in this recipe!
- Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Pasta – another family pleaser, this one has amazing flavor and zero complaints
- One Pan Ham & Cheese Pasta – make this all in one skillet, in under 30 minutes. Score!
- One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta – a delicious winner from The Chunky Chef
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Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Video
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (1 stick)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese (1/2 block)
- 1 tablespoon garlic (minced finely)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated/shredded)
Optional
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup peas
Directions
Make the sauce
- Melt ½ cup butter, 4 ounces cream cheese, and 2 cups heavy whipping cream in a saucepan, whisking until smooth.
- Add 1 tablespoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon cracked pepper, and 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning and allow to thicken, stirring constantly – just a few minutes.
- Remove from the heat, and stir in 1 cup parmesan cheese.
- Add the sauce to freshly cooked pasta of your choice
Optional
- Add 2 cups cooked chicken and 1 cup peas.
Serve
- Top with more shredded parmesan cheese.
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Notes
Notes:
- Gather your ingredients, and measure them out before you cook. This is a fairly quick recipe, so you’ll need them at hand as you go.
- Keep whisking!! You want this to be a smooth, thick sauce.
- Make this with any kind of pasta – fettuccine works exceptionally well, but penne, rotini and bowties have all gotten rave reviews here.
- Use the best quality ingredients you can afford!
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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