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Sometimes, the store-bought version of your favorite foods is worth it, and sometimes, you’re better off making it yourself—especially when it’s simple.
This easy homemade alfredo sauce is very simple and so freaking delicious that you’ll never buy store-bought alfredo sauce again!
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Store Bought Alfredo vs Homemade Alfredo
It’s 100% okay to buy premade versions of sauces, especially to save time. However, sometimes it’s worth it to make it yourself, especially when it’s easy – like this recipe.
Anything premade has the potential to have more sodium and added sugar, which of course adds to the flavor and shelf life. There is something to be said about the convenience of shelf-stable foods!
Making simple recipes like this easy homemade alfredo sauce from scratch not only allows you to control the ingredients, limiting added sodium and sugar, but it also often leads to a much tastier result. However, there are plenty of homemade recipes I’ve tried that I’d opt for the store-bought version because of the flavor that’s been perfected by food scientists.
As someone who has ADHD, making recipes from scratch, especially ones that have a laundry list of ingredients and steps, is extremely overwhelming. If you feel the same way, I recommend finding simple recipes to start making from scratch, like this easy homemade alfredo sauce.
Alfredo Sauce Brands
I do like keeping a jar of alfredo sauce on hand for a quick and easy dinner, so here are some brands I enjoy.
- Rao’s – you can usually find it at Aldi or Costco for a good price!
- Bertolli
- Primal Kitchen (non dairy option) – haven’t had this one, but it’s a rare nondairy option
- Trader Joes Black Truffle Alfredo Pasta Sauce
Ingredients for Homemade Alfredo Sauce
The ingredients for this easy homemade alfredo sauce are pretty basic and you may even have them on hand already!
Unsalted Butter
I always use unsalted butter and add salt to my recipes as needed to minimize sodium.
Garlic
I don’t love peeling and mincing fresh garlic so I usually opt for the minced garlic in a jar.
Heavy Cream
The heavy cream in this recipe is a key ingredient, but if you’re looking for a homemade alfredo sauce without heavy cream, you could use milk instead. I recommend whole milk, but you can use whatever milk you prefer. The higher the fat content, the creamier the sauce.
You can also use a milk alternative, but the flavor and consistency may differ from using a dairy milk/cream.
Heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is usually found by the milks and coffee creamers.
Parmesan
I like to say I’m in my freshly shredded cheese era now that my kids are a little older and have a little more time because I don’t have to watch them every second. So yes, I grate my own parmesan and it’s the best!
Plus when you’re making a recipe where you’re trying to melt cheese into a creamy sauce, it’s best to use freshly shredded cheese because the starch that they use to coat pre-shredded cheese can make for a weird consistency.
However, for this recipe, I did purchase the freshly grated parmesan flakes and added a little of my own freshly grated parmesan too!
I highly recommend getting a cheese grater and even a zester so your kids can help. We let our kids zest their own parmesan cheese at most meals. It helps make meals more engaging, gets them to come to the table, and sometimes leads to them even trying new foods!
You can usually find a block of hard parmesan cheese by the fancy cheese section, typically in the deli or bakery section.
Salt and Pepper
Pretty standard, right? Use a white pepper if you don’t want the black specs in your homemade alfredo sauce.
Fresh Parsley
Another ingredient that really elevates a dish without even trying are fresh herbs. I used an Italian parsley, but you can certainly use a different variety, dried, or go without. By the way, this one is totally optional.
I like using these herb scissors to easily cut fresh herbs. However, the herbs do get stuck in between the blades, but it’s easy to get the herbs out. This way you don’t even need a cutting board – once less thing to clean!
Equipment for Homemade Alfredo Sauce
- Measuring spoons
- Measure cups
- Rubber Spatula
- Whisk
- Medium sauce pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater (optional)
- Zester (optional)
- Herb scissors (optional)
How to make Homemade Alfredo Sauce
First step is to melt the butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s golden brown and fragrant.
Over low heat, slowly pour the heavy cream into the saucepan and whisk until the butter and cream are completely combined. The butter will take time to combine with the heavy cream so be patient. Be careful not to let the sauce come to a boil either – keep the heat on low.
Once your butter and cream are well combined, whisk in parmesan cheese until the cheese is completely melted. Here you can add in the salt and pepper to taste.
Your easy homemade alfredo sauce is essentially done, but one typically completes an alfredo sauce with pasta and potentially a protein and veggie too.
Feel free to add your cooked pasta of choice directly to the saucepan. It may also be helpful to mix in ½ to 1 cup of reserved pasta water if desired, and top with fresh parsley.
Can You Freeze Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Yes, you can freeze homemade alfredo sauce. However, as with anything you freeze, there’s the chance that the quality won’t be the same as the fresh version.
To freeze homemade alfredo sauce, simply let the sauce cool, transfer to a freezer safe container, label, date, and freeze for up to three months for the best quality.
How to Store and Reheat
To store the easy homemade alfredo sauce that you just whipped up, that is if you didn’t eat it all, simply transfer to a food safe container with a lid and store in the fridge for three to five days.
To reheat your leftover alfredo sauce, use a microwave safe dish, and microwave for 30 second increments, stirring between until it reaches (technically) 165°F for 15 seconds. You can add more heavy whipping cream or milk to thin it out to the consistency you’d prefer.
To reheat your frozen alfredo sauce, it’s best to take it out a few days before to let it thaw. However, you can use the defrost feature on your microwave until it’s defrosted and then heat for 30 second increments, stirring between.
What to Serve With Alfredo Sauce
Chicken and broccoli is what first comes to mind, but the options are endless!
- Rotisserie or grilled chicken
- Kielbasa
- Shrimp
- Meatballs
- Broccoli
- Peas
- Zucchini
- Red bell peppers
- Mushrooms
Other Recipes You’ll Love
Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 tbsp Unsalted butter or 1/2 cup
- 1 tbsp Minced garlic or 3-4 cloves, minced
- 1 pint Heavy cream
- 5 oz Freshly grated parmesan + a little extra
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until golden brown.
- Over low heat, slowly pour heavy cream into the saucepan and whisk until combined. The butter will take time to combine with the heavy cream. Be careful not to let the sauce come to a boil.
- Whisk in parmesan cheese until the cheese is completely melted. Add salt and pepper to taste and let sauce simmer on low until thickened to desired consistency.
- Add to favorite pasta and top with fresh parsley.
