Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce is a creamy, cheesy delight perfect for elevating any pasta dish. Made with simple ingredients like cream cheese and parmesan, it come together quickly for a rich and comforting sauce you’ll love.

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 tbsp flour
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp kosher or coarse salt (do not use table salt)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (or about 2 tsp 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 with no lumps.
2. Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and whisk until the butter is melted and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour the milk mixture into the melted butter, whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the mixture begins to thicken.
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 grated parmesan cheese and whisk until fully melted. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, garlic powder, or a dash of pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Remove the sauce from heat and immediately serve it over your cooked pasta.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting texture.
• For a lighter sauce, substitute half the cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warm spice note in the sauce.
• If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a little more milk to loosen it up.

Storage

Store leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, adding a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular table salt instead of kosher salt?

Table salt is finer and more concentrated, so it’s best to use kosher or coarse salt for accurate seasoning. If you only have table salt, use less—about half the amount—and adjust to taste.

Can this Alfredo sauce be frozen?

While you can freeze the sauce, the texture may change slightly after thawing, becoming grainier. It’s best to freeze if necessary and reheat gently, stirring well to bring it back together.

Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 101 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: About 4 cups of Alfredo sauce, enough to serve 4-6 people 1x

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Description

This Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce recipe is a creamy, rich sauce perfect for drizzling over your favorite pasta. Made with cream cheese, milk, butter, garlic, and Parmesan, this sauce comes together quickly on the stovetop and delivers classic Italian flavors with a smooth, velvety texture. It’s customizable with seasoning adjustments and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

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Alfredo Sauce 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 tbsp flour
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp kosher/coarse salt (*do not use table salt)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 garlic cloves minced, or about 2 tsp bottled minced garlic
• 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese, freshly grated

To Serve

• Pasta, of your choice, cooked

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Instructions

1. Prepare Milk Mixture: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, combine the milk, flour, kosher salt, and garlic powder. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
2. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and whisk as the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant to release its aroma.
3. Add Milk Mixture: Slowly pour the prepared milk mixture into the melted butter while continuously whisking to incorporate evenly. Continue whisking until the sauce mixture begins to thicken.
4. Melt Cream Cheese: Add the block of cream cheese into the warm milk mixture. Continue whisking until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth without lumps.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and whisk until it fully melts into the sauce. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt, garlic powder, or a dash of pepper according to your taste.
6. Serve: Remove the sauce from heat and immediately pour it over your cooked pasta. Toss to coat evenly and serve warm.

Notes

• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting. Pre-grated cheese can sometimes be powdery and may not melt as well.
• Do not use reduced-fat cream cheese as it can affect the sauce’s creaminess and texture.
• Adjust the seasoning to your preference by adding more garlic powder, salt, or freshly ground black pepper.
• This sauce is best served immediately but can be gently reheated on low heat with a splash of milk to restore texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: easy Alfredo sauce, homemade Alfredo, creamy pasta sauce, Italian sauce, comfort food, cream cheese Alfredo, quick Alfredo sauce