This Creamy 5-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce is a decadent, velvety-smooth classic that tastes like it came straight from a fine Italian trattoria. Crafted with just a handful of pantry staples, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to elevate a simple pasta dish, this sauce clings beautifully to fettuccine, veggies, or even pizza crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal ingredients: Just five basic components are all you need.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Luxuriously creamy: Thanks to the combination of butter, cream, and Parmesan.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with pasta, vegetables, or even as a pizza base.
- Restaurant-quality: Delivers that indulgent, garlicky richness you’d expect from a high-end Italian eatery.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- unsalted butter
- heavy cream
- garlic, minced
- freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve immediately over warm pasta, steamed vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 310 kcal
Variations
- Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta for a heartier sauce.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a pleasant heat.
- Herb infusion: Incorporate fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for added depth.
- Lighter option: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a less rich version.
- Nutty twist: Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain its creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
FAQs
What pasta works best with Alfredo sauce?
Fettuccine is the classic choice, but linguine, penne, and spaghetti also pair well with this creamy sauce.
Can I freeze Alfredo sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream and cheese may separate upon thawing and reheating, compromising the texture.
Can I make Alfredo sauce without heavy cream?
Yes, you can use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream cheese as an alternative, though the texture may be slightly different.
Is it necessary to use freshly grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and offers superior flavor compared to pre-shredded or grated versions.
How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Ensure the heat is low when adding cheese and stir continuously to create a smooth, velvety consistency.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently before serving.
What can I use this sauce for besides pasta?
It’s great as a topping for baked potatoes, grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, or as a creamy pizza base.
How can I make it more garlicky?
Simply add an extra clove or two of garlic, or use roasted garlic for a deeper flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the sauce itself is gluten-free. Just ensure the pasta or any additions are gluten-free as well.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients accordingly and adjust seasoning to taste. It scales very well.
Conclusion
This Creamy 5-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce is a must-have in any home cook’s recipe collection. Rich, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant, it’s the kind of dish that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this sauce is sure to impress.
Creamy 5-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce
Indulge in this easy Creamy 5-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce recipe, a rich and cheesy Italian-inspired sauce perfect for pasta, veggies, or pizza. Made with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan, this quick and savory sauce is a must-have for weeknight dinners and comfort food cravings. #easyalfredosauce #cheesysauce #italianflavors
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1/2 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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(Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
-
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously.
-
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
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Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
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Serve immediately over warm pasta, steamed vegetables, or use as a dipping sauce.
Notes
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For the best texture and flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged.
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Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from curdling.
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This sauce thickens as it cools—add a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen if needed.
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving