Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a rich and creamy homemade Alfredo sauce that’s simple to make with everyday ingredients. This easy recipe delivers a luscious sauce perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

• 1 8 oz. block cream cheese (do not use reduced fat/less fat)
• 4 cups milk (2%, whole, or 1% works best)
• 4 heaping tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher or coarse salt (do not use table salt)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (or about 2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic)
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Pasta of your choice, cooked

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder until fully combined and smooth with no lumps.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Whisk until the butter is melted and the garlic becomes fragrant.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour the milk mixture into the melted butter while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
4. Step 4: Add the block of cream cheese to the warm milk mixture. Whisk until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Step 5: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted. Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more salt, garlic powder, or a dash of pepper if desired.
6. Step 6: Remove the sauce from heat and serve immediately over your cooked pasta.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother sauce texture.
• For a lighter option, you can substitute half of the milk with chicken broth.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warm flavor that complements the creaminess.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.

Storage

Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent separation. You may need to add a splash of milk while reheating to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use table salt instead of kosher salt?

It’s best to use kosher or coarse salt because table salt is more concentrated and could make the sauce too salty. If you only have table salt, use about half the amount and adjust to taste.

What pasta works best with Alfredo sauce?

Fettuccine is a classic choice because its wide noodles hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne, linguine, or even spiral shapes for great results.

Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 147 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe delivers a creamy, rich, and flavorful sauce perfect for drizzling over your favorite pasta. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, milk, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan, this sauce is quick to prepare on the stovetop and can be customized with extra seasoning and cheese to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

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Alfredo Sauce

• 1 8 oz. block cream cheese (do not use reduced fat/less fat)
• 4 cups milk (2%, whole, or 1% works best)
• 4 heaping tablespoons flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons kosher or coarse salt (do not use table salt)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced, or about 2 teaspoons bottled minced garlic
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (see notes)

For Serving

• Pasta of your choice, cooked according to package instructions

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Instructions

1. Prepare Milk Mixture: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
2. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and whisk continuously until the butter is fully melted and the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Combine Milk Mixture with Butter: Slowly pour the prepared milk mixture into the melted butter while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken and becomes smooth.
4. Add Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and add into the warm milk mixture. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
5. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and whisk until it is fully melted and incorporated. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, garlic powder, or a dash of pepper if desired.
6. Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Immediately pour the Alfredo sauce over your cooked pasta, toss gently to coat, and serve warm.

Notes

• Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for the best flavor and smooth melting texture; pre-grated cheese may not melt as well.
• Do not use reduced-fat cream cheese or milk, as this will affect the richness and consistency of the sauce.
• Kosher or coarse salt is preferred to avoid over-salting; table salt dissolves differently and can be too strong.
• The sauce thickens as it cooks, so whisk continuously to prevent lumps or burning.
• This sauce is best served immediately but can be gently reheated on low heat with additional milk to adjust consistency.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Alfredo sauce, homemade Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta sauce, easy Alfredo recipe, Italian sauce recipe, cream cheese Alfredo