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The Best Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Creamy homemade Alfredo sauce simmering in a saucepan with visible black pepper and herb flecks
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This rich, silky homemade Alfredo sauce is made with butter, cream, fresh garlic, and real Parmesan for a smooth, restaurant-quality finish. It comes together in minutes and clings beautifully to pasta for a comforting, family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup butter
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: 1 TBSP cream cheese
  • Optional: sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
  2. Add the heavy cream and gently simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil — slow heat keeps the sauce smooth.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  4. Cook about 1 minute, just until fragrant.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is velvety.
  6. Simmer another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  7. If sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water, heavy cream or milk to thin it out.
  8. Toss immediately with hot pasta or use as a base for chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can create a gritty texture.

Control the heat. Alfredo breaks when overheated — keep it gentle.

Optional Flavor Upgrade:
For a slightly tangy, savory depth, stir in ¼–⅓ cup finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes just before adding the Parmesan. They melt beautifully into the sauce and make it feel restaurant-quality with almost no extra effort.

Too thick? Add a splash of reserved pasta water, heavy cream, or milk.
Too thin? Let it simmer another minute or add a small handful of Parmesan.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/best-homemade-alfredo-sauce/