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    Home / Main Dish / Chicken

    How to make the Best Alfredo Pasta Sauce

    Published on May 4, 2020 by Devour Dinner | 16 Comments

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    5 from 1 vote
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    Who knew Alfredo Pasta Sauce was so easy to make!  This is a delicious Alfredo Sauce recipe made right on the stove top.

    In minutes you can make a thick and creamy Alfredo Sauce that you will come back for, I promise.

    Somewhere I got the notion that making an Afredo Sauce was hard or time consuming.

    So let other's think that and you can whip out a recipe that with make other's mouth drool.

    Alfredo Sauce

    Post updated May 2020

    I like to use a good frying pan / skillet with rounded up sides.

    I prefer a skillet over a stock pot because more surface area gets hot at once and cooks the ingredients. It just works better.

    Fun Fact

    The dish is named after Alfredo di Lelio, who featured the dish at his restaurant in Rome

    What's in Alfredo Sauce?

    • 1 Cup Fresh Parmasan Cheese Grated
    • 3 Tbls Butter
    • 2 Cloves garlic
    • ¼ tsp Salt
    • Pinch Pepper
    • 2 Cups Whipping Cream

    How to make Alfredo Sauce?

    • Heat up a Skillet with a little butter and garlic over medium / high heat
    • As the butter melts and sizzles the garlic will begin to mell wonderful. Now is the time to add the Heavy Cream
    • Stir in the cream and add salt and pepper
    • Let the cream heat up and start to bubble around the edges
    • Sprinkle in grated Parmesan Cheese and stir
    • Turn heat down to medium and stir until cheese is melted.
    • You can thin Alfredo Sauce by adding chicken broth or even milk. Add up to ½ cup depending on preference

    The instructions are super simple, but even you won’t believe it so I’ve put together a quick video to prove it to you. 

    Now don’t you wish you just kept whipping cream in the refrigerator? 

    Well, I stock it now because you just never know when a little bit of Alfredo Pasta will curb an appetite.

    It’s really that simple.  Serve Alfredo Pasta wit the Bruschetta Chicken and even the Easy Garlic Bread.  Oh so good!

    I know you have questions, so let me help with the frequently asked questions

    What Pasta should I cook with Alfredo Sauce?

    Traditionally Fettuccine pasta is served with Alfredo Sauce, however any pasta will do. We even love to serve with Ravoli

    How to Cook Pasta?

    Fortunately on the side of all pasta packages there are directions for cooking. I personally like to add a little salt and a tablespoon or two of butter when I cook pasta.

    Can I precook pasta?

    Precooking pasta works. Cook pasta to al dente and rinse under cool water. Then toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

    You can easily reheat in a pot of boiling water for a minute or less when you are ready to serve

    Can I cook Pasta in the Instant Pot?

    Yes! To cook pasta in the Instant Pot, add enough water to fully submerge pasta and set to Pressure Cook for half the time listed on the package.

    Allow for equal time in Natural Pressure Release and your pasta should be perfectly al dente

    Can I freeze Alfredo Pasta Sauce?

    Alfredo Sauce is a milk based product so freezing doesn't work as well as you would like but it can be done. Just realize the sauce will separate a bit and may not be as creamy

    My sauce is too thick, how to thin Alfredo Sauce?

    I love a good thick sauce, but often times it can also be too thick. To thin Alfredo Sauce simple add milk or even chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.

    Remember the sauce will also thicken as it cools

    Alfredo Sauce with Half and Half

    Great question. YES you can substitute Half and Half for Heavy Cream in this recipe. It not only cut calories but will naturally make a thinner sauce.

    Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese

    Making Alfredo Sauce with Cream Cheese is also an option. Add 3 Tbs Cream Cheese into the sauce mixture for an extra creamy delicious Alfredo Sauce

    How to reduce calories for Alfredo Sauce

    In the case you want to reduce a few calories you can substitute the heavy cream for evaporated milk. You might want to add an extra ¼ cup of cheese to make sure the sauce thickens to your liking.

    What is the best Alfredo Sauce?

    Naturally this recipe, but if all else fails and you just need to pick up a jar of bottled sauce try Bertolli Alfredo Sauce. It's a happy 2nd in our home.

    It will heat quickly in a saucepan and then toss with your noodles.

    Are All Cheeses the Same?

    No, all cheeses are definitely not the same. You can use a grated Parmesan cheese from your local grocery super store.

    But using fresh Parmesan cheese and grating it yourself will yield a much better sauce.

    Or use half Romano and half Parmesan cheese. Mmmm Yum!

    Can I make Alfredo Sauce ahead of time?

    Alfredo Sauce is tricky in that when it heats up it is smooth and creamy. As it cools the oils in the cheese and butter tend to separate from the dairy.

    It can successfully be whisked back together on the stove but doesn't do well when heated in the microwave.

    Air Fried Chicken Breast

    Chicken Alfredo Pasta

    Pasta is always great, but what about adding in some chicken. You betcha! Why not make a well seasoned Air Fried Chicken Breast to add to this dish.

    On a recent trip to Europe I spent a number of days in Italy and my goal was to eat Italian Pasta, specifically Alfredo Sauce with Fettuccine pasta.

    My experience was glorious sitting at an outdoor Italian Cafe in Florence enjoying the atmosphere and people watching.

    The history and culture is unlike anywhere else and this memory will be forever etched in my mind, not to mention my meal is absolutely incredible.

    Fettuccine Alfredo is not only a simple recipe in Italy it is simply called Fettuccine al burro meaning Pasta with Butter.

    I feel like the American Version has significantly more cream and less butter making a thick and creamy delicious sauce.

    My recommendation is to serve a fresh garden salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing and breadsticks on the side. You won't regret it.

    Alfredo Sauce

    More recipes to try

    • Marinara Sauce
    • How to make French Bread
    • Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
    • Bruschetta Chicken
    • Taco Alfredo Sauce
    • Chicken Carbonara
    • Chicken Cordon Bleu Soup
    • Fiesta Chicken Casserole
    • Honey Mustard Chicken and Rice
    • BBQ Chicken Tostada
    Alfredo Sauce
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Alfredo Pasta

    Alfredo Sauce was named after Alfredo di Lelio, who featured the dish at his restaurant in Rome. A creamy parmesan sauce that is loved by millions
    Prep Time5 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Total Time5 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Course: Pasta
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients

    • 1 Cup Fresh Parmasean Cheese - Grated
    • 3 Tbls Butter
    • 2 Cloves garlic
    • ¼ teaspoon Salt
    • Pinch Pepper
    • 2 Cups Whipping Cream
    • 1 pkg noodles - fettuccine, linguini, spaghetti or whatever you prefer.

    Instructions

    • Heat up a Skillet with a little butter and garlic over medium / high heat. As the butter melts and sizzles the garlic will begin to mell wonderful.
    • Now is the time to add the Heavy Cream. Stir in the cream and add salt and pepper.
    • Let the cream heat up and start to bubble around the edges. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan Cheese and stir.
    • Turn heat down to medium and stir until cheese is melted.
    • You can thin Alfredo Sauce by adding chicken broth or even milk. Add up to ½ cup depending on preference

    Notes

    Substitutions:
    Half and Half for Heavy Cream
    Evaporated Milk for Heavy Cream
    Additions
    3 Tbs Cream Cheese for extra creamy sauce
    Note: I like to thin sauce with Chicken broth or milk as needed.
    Have you made this recipe?Mention @devourdinner or tag us #devourdinner! Please leave a comment and rating below. Thank you!

    Nutrition Disclaimer

    All nutrition values are approximate and calculated by a plugin and are provided as a courtesy. Adding or subtracting ingredients will change the nutritional value.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 447mg | Potassium: 75mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1481IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jean Plinska

      August 02, 2018 at 3:39 pm

      If I'm in a big hurry, can I use store bought grated parm cheese?

      Reply
      • Devour Dinner

        August 02, 2018 at 4:04 pm

        I use the fresh grated store bought parmesan cheese. Do not use the power stuff. Either grated or shredded. It's amazing!

        Reply
    2. Ashley Rainsbarger

      December 14, 2017 at 9:03 am

      Thank you for this. I always feel like store bought sauce tastes a little off!

      Reply
      • RebeccaGrace

        December 14, 2017 at 11:37 am

        Store bought sauce does taste off...This is so simple and easy. We love it!

        Reply
    3. Christa

      December 14, 2017 at 1:39 am

      I need to make this. My kids love alfredo, but I rarely make it because I just don't think about it. This is a good recipe because it doesn't take hard to find ingredients. I'm pinning this.

      Reply
      • RebeccaGrace

        December 14, 2017 at 11:38 am

        I love recipes with easy ingredients. All my recipes use easy to find ingredients that are easy to make too!

        Reply
    4. Latoiya

      December 12, 2017 at 7:25 pm

      So easy! I'll be making this dish this week. I have 4 kids, so I'm always looking for quick, delicious meals

      Reply
      • RebeccaGrace

        December 12, 2017 at 9:27 pm

        I'm so happy you found a recipe you like. I'm sure your kids will love it! We have family family friendly recipes here on the blog. Everything I post comes from my own busy kitchen full of kids activities. An easy healthy meal is what I've strived for.

        Reply
    5. Coree

      December 12, 2017 at 2:22 pm

      Oh my goodness, this literally made my mouth water just looking at the photos! I can’t wait to give this a try!

      Reply
      • RebeccaGrace

        December 12, 2017 at 4:08 pm

        This is one of our favorites, and so simple that even my teenagers make this too! I love it!

        Reply
    6. Claire

      December 12, 2017 at 11:30 am

      This is a great easy and basic meal (and I love that its homemade sauce rather than from the bottles!) I love to add mushrooms (and juices that accumulate while cooking) for that little extra taste!

      Reply
      • RebeccaGrace

        December 12, 2017 at 4:08 pm

        Using the juices from cooking always adds extra flavor that is wonderful! Keep it up and enjoy the fresh taste.

        Reply
    7. Jill

      December 12, 2017 at 11:24 am

      I had no idea making alfredo was that easy! Why would anyone ever buy a chemical-filled jarred version again after watching your awesome video?! Thanks for giving me some inspiration for an upcoming meal 🙂

      Reply
      • RebeccaGrace

        December 12, 2017 at 4:09 pm

        Once I realized how to make Alfredo from home, I never went back to a jar. It's just too simple to make on the stove to do it any other way. And the taste is perfect every time. I hope you try this recipe and others out. Let us know how it goes!

        Reply
    8. Deanna

      December 12, 2017 at 7:49 am

      That's a fantastic, quick weeknight meal and my kids would love it. I worked at a restaurant where they added nutmeg to the alfredo sauce. I guess that was their secret spice!

      Reply
      • RebeccaGrace

        December 12, 2017 at 8:48 am

        Nutmeg? Really? I'll have to try it! That is a great tip.

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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