• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Beef Gravy
  • Store

Cooking With Curls logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Instant Pot
  • Beef Gravy
  • Store
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Beef Gravy
    • Store
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Condiment » Classic Alfredo Sauce

    Published: Apr 18, 2020 · Modified: Jun 8, 2020 by Lisa Johnson

    Classic Alfredo Sauce

    • Share
    • Tweet

    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Looking down on a glass jar filled with Classic Alfredo Sauce sitting on a blue and white striped napkin with title and wedge of Parmesan at the top of the image.

    I decided that it was about time to share my favorite Classic Alfredo Sauce recipe with you. This is one of those sauces that you can throw together at the last minute, and no one will know. The thick, velvety sauce coats any type of pasta noodle or gnocchi perfectly. Add leftover chicken and steamed broccoli, and you have a complete meal that is ready in minutes!

    A glass mason jar filled with Classic Alfredo Sauce sitting on a blue and white stripped napkin with a wedge of Parmesan cheese in the upper corner.

    Yes I am lactose-intolerant, and yes I torture myself every so often because I seriously L-O-V-E this sauce!! It does not even compare the to the stuff that you buy at the grocery store, it is sooooo much better.

    What you will need to make this recipe:

    • Butter
    • Heavy Cream
    • Garlic
    • Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese
    • Ground Pepper
    • Heavy-Bottom Saucepan
    • Whisk
    • Cheese Grater
    • Garlic Press

    Looking at the side of a glass jar filled with Classic Alfredo Sauce.

    How to make Classic Alfredo Sauce:

    Heat the butter and cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until melted.

    Butter and cream simmering in a saucepan.

    Whisk in the garlic and grated Parmesan cheese.

    Grated parmesan added to the simmering cream and butter in a saucepan.

    Cook and stir until the cheese is completely melted. Do not bring to a boil, just a simmer. Season with ground pepper to taste.

    Ground pepper added to the Classic Alfredo Sauce on the stove top in a saucepan.

    Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.

    Fettuccine noodles topped with Classic Alfredo Sauce in a blue bowl garnished with parsley.

    That is the perfect comfort food right there my friends!!

    Can I use a pre-shredded cheese?

    NO! Okay that came out a little harsh, but please don't. Pre-grated or shredded cheeses are coated with starch to keep them from clumping. Unfortunately, that makes them gummy when they melt and that is not what we are looking for. We want a smooth, velvety sauce made from the purest and simplest of ingredients. 

    Before you even ask, the stuff in the green can is not even cheese so don't do it!!

    Do I have to use Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese?

    No you do not. I prefer the taste over Asiago, but it is totally up to you. Half Parmesan and half Romano is a delicious combination as well. 

    Can I use milk instead of cream?

    Yes you can but your sauce will be thin. Whole milk would be better than 2%, non-fat is not worth it. You can use unsweetened almond or cashew milk, but again your sauce will be thinner and it will separate...trust me on that one.

    More delicious Sauce recipes:

    • Simple Bolognese Sauce 
    • Kale Pesto 
    • Classic Marinara Sauce 
    • Bail Pesto 
    • Easy Enchilada Sauce 
    • Homemade Pizza Sauce 

    Enjoy!!

    A glass mason jar filled with Classic Alfredo Sauce sitting on a blue and white stripped napkin with a wedge of Parmesan cheese in the upper corner.

    Classic Alfredo Sauce

    Classic Alfredo Sauce is a family favorite that is easy to prepare even on the busiest of nights and sure to put smiles on everyone's face!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Rate
    Course: Condiment, Main Course
    Cuisine: Italian
    Keyword: Parmesan, recipe, cheese, cream, sauce, keto
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 20 minutes
    Servings: 6 Servings
    Calories: 339kcal
    Author: Lisa Johnson

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Whisk
    • Box Grater
    • Garlic Press

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 1 clove garlic pressed or finely minced
    • 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 2 1/4 ounces
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper more or less to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Heat the butter and cream in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until melted.
    • Whisk in the garlic and grated Parmesan cheese.
    • Cook and stir until the cheese is completely melted. Do not bring to a boil, just a simmer. Season with ground pepper to taste.
    • Keep warm over low heat until ready to serve.

    Notes

    • Heavy cream is best for a thick, velvety sauce. Whole milk would be my second choice. Use nut milk at your own peril, it will separate.
    • Parmigiano-Reggiano is my preferred cheese. Asiago or a combination of Asiago and Romano are also delicious options.
    • Do not use pre-shredded cheese or the stuff in a green can, the flavor and texture will suffer.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1186IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 228mg | Iron: 1mg

    Cooking with Curls is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com


    « Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Tamales
    Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Manicotti »

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Headshot of Lisa Johnson

    Hi, I'm Lisa - Welcome to my kitchen! I have a passion for good food and love sharing my creations with friends, family and everyone that loves a homecooked meal. This is where I share my favorite recipes with step-by-step instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you make these delicious recipes in your home.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • California Spa Salad
    • Layered Greek Dip
    • Lemon Cream Cheese Danish
    • Creative Brunch Ideas
    Shop Lisa's Favorite Products on amazon.com with 5 product images.

    As seen in...

    List of magazine where my recipes have been featured.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Info

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer & Disclosure
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates & receive a FREE Instant Pot e-Book filled with the Top 10 reader's favorite recipes!

    Topics

    • Instant Pot
    • Tropical Pina Colada
    • Beef Gravy
    • Recipe Index

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2012-2022 Cooking with Curls® | All Rights Reserved