This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
This rich, creamy Alfredo Sauce deliciously rivals any restaurant recipe! It’s made with basic ingredients like cream, butter and Parmesan and ready in minutes! So comforting and decadent, yet quick and easy and makes the best Alfredo sauce!
After years of practice, I’ve mastered the BEST homemade Alfredo Sauce that is perfect every single time! My recipe reminds me so much of a favorite restaurant’s Fettuccine Alfredo that I’ve loved for years. I usually serve it with my favorite house salad and croutons, so we enjoy this comforting, delicious pasta supper at home! So easy to make, this made from scratch, homemade Alfredo sauce is ready in minutes and always a favorite!
Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Over the years, I’ve tweaked my Mama’s Alfredo sauce recipe trying to get it closer to that restaurant version I craved. A little more cream, a blend of butter and olive oil, a little more this, a little less of that, and then I found the secret. Well, at least the secret to what I think is the best I’ve ever tasted.
This easy Alfredo sauce is perfect over cooked pasta and since it is ready in 20 minutes, it makes a mighty delicious and comforting classic quick-fix dish!
What is Alfredo Sauce?
Alfredo is a simple, rich and creamy Italian pasta sauce typically made from butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings. It is traditionally served over fettuccini but can be served with other pastas, as well as chicken, shrimp or vegetables.
Some recipes may thicken it with flour, making it similar to a white sauce, but my recipe does not use flour. This makes my recipe gluten-free when made following the recipe with no substitutions. This recipe thickens beautifully as written due to the creamy dairy and cheeses as well as the low, slow cooking.
How to Make Homemade Alfredo Sauce
To make my homemade Alfredo sauce, you’ll need just a handful of basic, delicious ingredients.
Ingredients for the Best Alfredo Sauce
Butter and Olive Oil – This combination gives the dish an amazing taste and flavor!
Cream Cheese – Make sure you use whole fat cream cheese, not reduced or fat free, for a creamy, delicious sauce.
Whipping Cream – I use heavy whipping cream as it makes a thick and creamy Alfredo sauce.
Stone House Seasoning – Adds the seasoning to the sauce that gives it the perfect flavor! I keep this made ahead so it’s simple to add to this and other recipes. It contains the perfect amount of pepper and garlic to season this recipe perfectly!
Parmesan Cheese – Make sure you use real Parmesan cheese – the kind in a wedge or block. Shred it yourself right off the block. It only takes a minute and it is so worth it because Parmesan is such an important part of the dish. You definitely do not want to use the powdered “cheese” in a can because it doesn’t melt and it won’t give the desired results.
Mozzarella Cheese – Use whole fat cheese and not reduced or fat free for the creamiest, best Alfredo.
Step by Step Instructions
- Add butter and olive oil to a medium sauce pan or skillet set over medium heat and let the butter melt.
- Add the cream cheese, whipping cream, and my Stone House Seasoning. If you haven’t already made the Stone House Seasoning, oh boy, you need it! 🙂 If you do not have it on hand, I’ve included a substitute in the notes of the recipe for you.
- Bring all to a simmer (do not boil) and stir or whisk frequently over low heat, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 6 minutes.
- Stir or whisk constantly and add the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses, incorporating well after each addition and allow to cook until the sauce is creamy, thick and smooth, about 3 more minutes.
- Now it should be ready to remove from the heat, serve and enjoy!
Tips for the BEST Sauce
Like I mentioned, this is the best Alfredo I’ve tasted…even better than the version I adored from my favorite Italian restaurant. Here are a few tips that help make it so delicious and such a simple, much loved recipe!
- Fresh is best. Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best results. It makes the sauce rich, thick and creamy. Grate it yourself or find authentic freshly grated Parmesan. Powdered, canned versions of the cheese are not recommended as it doesn’t give desired results.
- Low and slow for the best results. Add the ingredients slowly and whisk into the sauce until cheeses melt and there is a thick smooth, creamy consistency
- Do not overheat and do not boil. Whisking and cooking slowing over low heat helps it to be smooth and avoids separating.
What to Serve with Alfredo Sauce
My family loves this rich and delicious Alfredo sauce over cooked pasta. Add a salad or vegetables and I’ve got a complete meal my whole family adores. We love to serve it over fettuccini, but it is delicious over penne too. Add chicken for a chicken Alfredo that is out of this world delicious.
Optional Toppings
- Roasted Vegetables for a vegetarian Alfredo
- Baked Chicken
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Grilled Chicken
- Mushrooms
- Steak
- Seared Scallops
- Shrimp
- Garlic Shrimp
Side Dishes
How to Store Alfredo Sauce
If you have any of this rich, creamy sauce left over after a meal, here’s how to store it properly.
Refrigerate – Add any leftover sauce to an airtight container or jar with airtight lid and place in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. Make sure to refrigerate any remaining sauce within the first 4 hours.
Not for Freezing – Unfortunately, due to the fresh heavy cream and dairy content of this sauce, it does not freeze well and tends to separate if frozen.
Reheat – This does better when reheated slowly on low heat on the stove. It doesn’t do as well when reheated in the microwave as it tends to become more oily and separates. Just remember to reheat slowly and stir often to maintain the creamy consistency after reheating.
Other Favorite Pasta Recipes to Try
Pasta recipes are some of our favorites and I have several delicious recipes here on the site I hope you try!
Here’s my Alfredo Sauce Recipe. I think you are going to love it!
Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon Stone House Seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Add the butter and olive oil to a medium sauce pan set over medium heat and allow the butter to melt. Add the cream cheese, whipping cream and Stone House Seasoning. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, stirring frequently, until the sauce coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
- Stirring constantly, add the Parmesan and Mozzarella cheeses and allow to cook until the alfredo sauce is creamy, thick and smooth, about 3 – 5 more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and serve.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Made as instructed and so so good!!! Added to some gluten free pasta, broccoli, and leftover smoked chicken. Would be great to add crushed red pepper too!
This sounds great with your pasta. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Can not wait to try this it sounds very good and will try it over holidays.
I hope you enjoy this, John Edward. We love it at our house.
In South Africa where I live, we add ham and mushrooms! delicious!
Best Alfredo recipie I’ve ever tried!
Thanks so much, Cheyenne! So glad you enjoyed this recipe.
I made this for my husband’s birthday. I added grilled chicken and it was absolutely amazing. He loved it and I’ll be making it again. So easy to make but tastes like I spent all day cooking.
Thanks, Susie. Don’t you love how easy it is to make!