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Classic Silky Homemade Alfredo Sauce

A close-up of thick, creamy homemade alfredo sauce swirled in a small white ramekin.

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Make a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce from scratch on the stovetop in under 15 minutes using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low.
  4. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  6. Remove the sauce from the heat immediately. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water (if using with pasta).
  7. Serve immediately over hot fettuccine or your preferred dish.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best texture; pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming oily.
  • This sauce thickens as it cools, so plan to use it right away.

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