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Looking for the best Alfredo Sauce recipe that’s quick and easy to make? You’re in the right place! This fantastic recipe comes from a good Italian friend and hits all the right notes—creamy, comforting, and totally keto-friendly.
Pair this sauce with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a guilt-free indulgence. It’s straightforward with no fuss: just a few quality ingredients and you’ve got a sauce that’s perfect for a relaxed dinner at home. Simple, delicious, and sure to please—this Alfredo sauce might just become your new go-to!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Low-Carb: This sauce is all about enjoying the creamy goodness of Alfredo without worrying about carbs.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few basic ingredients to pull off this luxurious sauce.
- Goes with Everything: Whether it’s over zucchini noodles or as a creamy topping for your grilled chicken, this sauce works wonders.
- Quick and Easy: Get this sauce on the table in just 10 minutes—perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Authentic Flavor: Straight from an Italian kitchen to yours, this recipe keeps it real with authentic flavors.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Heads up: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
Making this Alfredo sauce is super easy—you just need a few staples from your fridge and pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter: Starts off the sauce with a rich base.
- Heavy Cream: Adds that creamy texture that’s essential to any Alfredo sauce.
- Garlic Powder: Gives a hint of garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce. Onion powder can be used instead.
- Sea Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
- Freshly Ground Pepper: Adds a slight kick.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings the salty, nutty taste that’s key to the sauce’s flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, use Pecorino Romano or any other Italian-style hard cheese.
Recipe Variations
Looking to mix things up with your Alfredo sauce? Here are some tasty tweaks and swaps:
- Herbed Alfredo: Stir in a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs or a couple of tablespoons of pesto at the end for a fresh flavor twist.
- Smokey Alfredo: Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika during the cooking process, and top your dish with sliced fried chorizo for a smoky boost.
- Thick & Creamy: For an even creamier texture, mix in 40g (about 1.4 oz) of cream cheese when you start cooking the sauce.
- Browned Butter Alfredo: Begin by melting the butter and letting it brown slightly to add a nutty depth to your sauce before whisking in the cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a spoonful of your favorite hot sauce to give the Alfredo a spicy twist. This variation is perfect for those who like a little heat.
- Garlic Lovers’: Double the amount of garlic powder, or use freshly minced garlic instead for a more robust garlic flavor.
How To Make Alfredo Sauce
Start with the Base. Pour heavy cream in a saucepan and add butter cut into pieces. Bring to simmer over medium-low heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally. Keep the heat medium-low to meld the flavors without boiling.
Season Well. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. Stir these through to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the sauce.
Add Grated Cheese. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, creating that iconic creamy texture.
Let it Thicken. Allow the sauce to simmer for a couple more minutes to thicken slightly. Remember, it will continue to thicken as it cools. Give the sauce a final stir and taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat. Serve warm over your favorite low-carb pasta or veggies.
Tips for Best Alfredo Sauce
- Low Heat is Key: To prevent the sauce from separating or getting too thick too quickly, cook your Alfredo sauce over medium-low to low heat. This gentle simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully without risking the sauce breaking.
- Stir Regularly: While the sauce simmers, keep stirring. This not only prevents sticking and burning but also ensures that the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best flavor and texture, grate your Parmesan cheese right before adding it to the sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts and tastes.
- Adjust Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, thin it with a little more cream or milk. If it’s too runny, let it simmer a bit longer or add a bit more cheese to thicken it up.
- Season to Taste: Taste your sauce as you make it. Adjusting the seasoning before you serve can make a big difference, ensuring the right balance of flavors.
Storage Instructions
Homemade Alfredo sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its best quality. Alfredo sauce is not suitable for freezing as it would split.
To reheat, place the sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk and whisk continuously to help maintain a creamy texture. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
How to Serve Alfredo Sauce
Whether you’re keeping it low-carb or just love the luxurious taste of creamy Alfredo, here are some versatile ways to enjoy this sauce:
- Classic Pasta: Toss the Alfredo sauce with low-carb pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a traditional dish without the carbs.
- Vegetable Medley: Drizzle it over steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for a decadent, creamy side dish.
- Grilled Proteins: Serve the sauce over grilled chicken breasts, pork chops, or shrimp to add richness and flavor to your protein.
- Pizza Base: Spread a thin layer on keto-friendly pizza or flatbread, top with mozzarella, and your choice of meats or vegetables before baking.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it warm as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken skewers, fresh steamed artichokes, or even low-carb breadsticks.
- Risotto or Cauliflower Rice: Stir into cauliflower rice for a creamy, comforting risotto-style dish.
Creamy Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- ⅔ stick butter (unsalted)
- 1 cup cream (heavy whipping)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or onion powder)
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper
- ¾ cup + 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano or other Italian hard cheese)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, add the butter and cream. Heat over low heat, simmering and stirring for 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Add the grated cheese to the saucepan. Continue to cook, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Let the sauce sit for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken further.
- Enjoy your Alfredo sauce over zoodles, grilled meat, fish, or cooked vegetables.
Nutrition
Notes
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 ml). Recipe makes 1 ½ cups (360 ml).
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Avoid pre-shredded cheeses as they often contain additives that can affect melting and texture.
- Smooth Sauce: Keep the saucepan on medium-low heat while cooking the sauce to prevent separation.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more cream; if too thin, add a bit more cheese.
- Serve Immediately: Best served fresh and hot. If it cools down and thickens, gently reheat it while adding a little cream to restore its creamy consistency.
- Storage: It can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
