Description
This creamy Alfredo Sauce recipe is a quick and easy way to elevate your pasta dishes with a rich, garlicky, and cheesy sauce. Made from scratch using butter, garlic, heavy cream, and fresh Parmesan cheese, this classic sauce offers a smooth and velvety texture perfect for draping over fettuccine or your favorite noodles. A subtle touch of nutmeg enhances the flavor, making it a comforting and indulgent addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sea salt, to taste
- Nutmeg (optional), to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter and Garlic: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for approximately 5 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken and reduce by about one-third.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add nutmeg if desired, then season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out by stirring in a bit more heavy cream. Serve immediately over cooked pasta.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor; pre-grated cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- If you prefer a garlic flavor that’s less sharp, you can sauté the garlic for a little longer but avoid browning to prevent bitterness.
- The sauce thickens as it cools; you can gently reheat with a splash of cream to restore consistency.
- This sauce is best served fresh and should be consumed immediately after preparation for optimum taste.
- To make it a complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian