Description
A simple and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This easy recipe comes together in just 20 minutes and is perfect for elevating any pasta dish with rich, cheesy flavors and a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Melt Butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter carefully without allowing it to brown. This creates the rich base for the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about one minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, infusing the butter with aromatic flavor.
- Add Heavy Cream: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to incorporate it smoothly. Let the mixture gently heat for approximately five minutes without boiling, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season Sauce: Add freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste, stirring well to combine all flavors. Serve immediately over your favorite cooked pasta.
Notes
- Do not let the butter brown or the garlic burn, as this can impart a bitter taste.
- Stir constantly when adding heavy cream to prevent curdling.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- This sauce is best served immediately but can be kept warm on very low heat with occasional stirring.
- For a lighter version, you may substitute half and half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
