Alfredo Sauce

This three-cheese Alfredo sauce recipe is a must-make. Using Parmesan, Asiago and Romano cheeses, the sauce does not skimp on richness or flavor. It also happens to be incredibly easy to whip up, so go ahead and skip the store-bought stuff.

For this easy Alfredo sauce recipe, you’ll sweat shallots and garlic in butter, add heavy whipping cream and the cheeses, then let the sauce cook until it thickens. It’s perfect when tossed with al dente fettuccine, but this homemade Alfredo sauce also works well with other pasta shapes, as a pizza sauce or in lasagna.

What is Alfredo sauce?

Alfredo is a classic Italian sauce made with butter, Parmesan and hot pasta water. This Alfredo sauce recipe is easy and riffs on the original sauce by adding cream and more cheese, as well as shallots and garlic. The result is an indulgent sauce that pairs well with everything, including pasta, seafood and chicken.

Alfredo Sauce Ingredients

• Cheese: Parmesan is the classic Alfredo cheese, but this homemade Alfredo sauce recipe adds additional flavor with Asiago and Romano too. Asiago adds a nutty flavor, and Romano—a sheep’s milk cheese—brings sharp, earthy notes.
• Butter: Nothing smells as delicious as alliums sweating down in butter. It’s the perfect start to a sauce.
• Shallots: The shallots add an extra layer of umami to the sauce, and they’re slightly sweeter than regular onions.
• Garlic: Use fresh minced garlic to give this easy Alfredo sauce recipe a flavorful base.
• Heavy whipping cream: While heavy whipping cream and heavy cream are basically interchangeable, heavy whipping cream has a slightly lower milk fat content. Use heavy whipping cream if possible, but heavy cream will work as well.
• Salt and pepper: I always use Diamond Crystal kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
• Fettuccine: This recipe calls for fettuccine, a thin, flat pasta that pairs perfectly with creamy Alfredo.

Directions

Step 1: Saute the shallots and garlic

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In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots; cook and stir until tender, two to three minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute longer.

Step 2: Stir in the cream and cheese

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Add the heavy whipping cream; cook and stir until the sauce is heated through.

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Stir in the Asiago cheese, Romano cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and the salt and pepper.

Bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Whisk occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning.

Step 3: Cook the pasta

Meanwhile, heat a pot of water and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup pasta water.

Step 4: Toss the pasta and Alfredo sauce

Place the pasta in a serving bowl and add the sauce. Toss to coat. Thin out the sauce as desired with the reserved pasta water. Serve sauce sprinkled with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. If desired, top with parsley.

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Alfredo Sauce Variations

• Use other vegetables: Fold in a bunch of spinach at the end of cooking, or add some chopped basil or other herbs for extra flavor. You can also add sauteed mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, summer squash or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Add protein: To complete your meal, serve this homemade Alfredo sauce recipe with easy seared salmon or shrimp, grilled or roasted chicken, or homemade Italian-style meatballs.

How to Store Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo stores well in an airtight container in the fridge and can even be frozen if needed. But it’s really hard to stop eating once you start, so you might not have leftovers to store!

How long does Alfredo sauce last?

This easy Alfredo sauce recipe will last three to four days in the fridge.

Can you freeze Alfredo sauce?

You can freeze a homemade Alfredo sauce recipe once it’s been cooled down. Use a freezer-safe bag or airtight container to store it. Label the container with a date.

How do you reheat Alfredo?

If your Alfredo sauce is frozen, thaw it overnight before using. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan, adding a splash of cream or water as needed to thin it out or bring it together if it starts to separate.

Alfredo Sauce Tips

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How else can you use Alfredo sauce?

This easy Alfredo sauce recipe isn’t just for pasta. Use it as a sauce for an Alfredo pizza or ladle it over grilled chicken. You could also try this chicken gnocchi pesto soup or any of our other recipes with Alfredo sauce.

Can you use milk instead of heavy whipping cream for Alfredo sauce?

If you have milk but not heavy whipping cream, you can still make this homemade Alfredo sauce recipe easy. Since milk is thinner, you’ll just need to make a quick roux. After you’ve added the garlic, add 1/4 cup flour and stir for up to two minutes, then whisk in 2 cups milk. Stir constantly while it thickens and comes together.

How do you thicken Alfredo sauce?

This homemade pasta sauce thickens by cooking down the heavy cream and cheese, which allows the water content to evaporate and the mixture to thicken. If it’s thinner than you’d like, make a roux, using equal parts flour and butter and stirring constantly for a few minutes. Add the roux to the hot Alfredo sauce, then whisk constantly until it’s thickened. You could also try one of these other thickening agents.

What do you serve with Alfredo sauce?

Add any of the vegetables mentioned in the Variations section above to your fettuccine Alfredo. Or, serve some vegetables on the side to balance the rich and creamy elements. Pair the Alfredo with vegetables like steamed broccoli, asparagus spears, artichokes or a fresh green salad. And don’t forget some garlic bread on the side!