Creamy Alfredo sauce is a rich white pasta sauce made with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It is simple, comforting, and perfect for fettuccine, cavatappi, chicken Alfredo, shrimp Alfredo, and baked pasta dishes.
Use this sauce in Creamy Cavatappi Alfredo or as a base for other creamy pasta recipes.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg, optional
- Chopped parsley, optional
How to Make Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Step 1: Melt Butter — Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 2: Add Garlic — Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Cream — Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add Parmesan — Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 5: Season — Add salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Taste and adjust.
Step 6: Toss With Pasta — Add cooked pasta directly to the sauce and toss until coated.
How to Make Alfredo Sauce Thicker
- Simmer gently for a few extra minutes.
- Add more Parmesan.
- Use less pasta water.
- Let the sauce sit briefly before serving.
How to Thin Alfredo Sauce
- Add reserved pasta water.
- Add a splash of milk or cream.
- Toss sauce with hot pasta to loosen it.
Best Pasta for Alfredo Sauce
- Cavatappi
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Linguine
- Rigatoni
- Farfalle
- Tortellini
Tips for Smooth Alfredo Sauce
- Use freshly grated Parmesan.
- Keep heat low after adding cheese.
- Do not boil the sauce aggressively.
- Toss pasta immediately after cooking.
- Save pasta water.
Creamy Alfredo sauce is easy to make at home with a few ingredients. Use butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan for a rich sauce that turns simple pasta into a comforting meal.