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Best Homemade Alfredo Sauce: Creamy, Rich, and Ready in Minutes

A close-up of creamy homemade alfredo sauce topped with grated cheese and roasted garlic cloves.

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Master the ultimate creamy, restaurant-style Alfredo sauce using this foolproof stovetop recipe. Achieve a silky, non-grainy texture every time with simple, quality ingredients for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about one minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. This step is key to preventing graininess.
  5. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  6. Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Serve immediately over hot fettuccine pasta or your preferred dish.

Notes

  • Use only freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while serving, whisk in a tablespoon of warm pasta water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • This recipe is excellent for tossing with chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

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