Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe

This Easy Alfredo Sauce recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients like butter, cream, and parmesan. It’s the perfect sauce for Fettuccine Alfredo!

Of all the sauces in the world, alfredo sauce is my family’s favorite! It’s the first sauce I taught my son how to make back when he was in middle school. So if a kid can make it, so can you!

This Alfredo Sauce Recipe is so easy to make with only five ingredients and is a million times better than the store-bought kind!

Warm butter and heavy cream over low heat, stirring often until the butter is melted.

Is there a way to make a lighter version?

You can swap ingredients to try to make a lighter version of this easy alfredo sauce recipe, but the results (taste and texture) will not be the same.

Try using half-n-half or milk for the heavy cream. Add less butter and add more liquid instead. To help thicken the sauce, stir in some low-fat cream cheese.

Another option is to start with a roux made from melted butter and flour. Check out my chicken alfredo spaghetti sauce recipe for that version.

Once the butter and cream are warm, slowly add the shredded parmesan. Stir until combined before adding more.

Can I use grated parmesan instead?

No, for this recipe you need to use shredded parmesan. You can buy it from the grocery store already shredded. Or you can buy a block of parmesan and shred it at home.

Next whisk in some garlic powder and coarsely ground black pepper.

What seasonings can be added to alfredo sauce?

For this easy alfredo sauce, I only added garlic powder and black pepper but there are many other seasonings you could add. Try stirring in a pinch of nutmeg, red pepper flakes, dried basil, dried oregano, or dried parsley.

You can also add salt if needed but taste the sauce first to make sure. Only add a little at a time, tasting after incorporating it before adding more.

How can I thicken or thin this easy alfredo sauce recipe?

If your alfredo sauce is too thick, it needs more liquid to thin it out. Try stirring in more heavy cream, a little at a time, until it is the right consistency. Another option is to stir in a little pasta water if you are making the sauce for fettuccine alfredo.

When the sauce is too thin, keep in mind that it will thicken some as it cools. It is very thin, you can stir in additional shredded parmesan to thicken it. If you don’t have more parmesan, try adding some cubed, softened cream cheese, stirring until melted. Or you can add another kind of shredded cheese but it will change the flavor.

Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Cook a 16-ounce package of fettuccine according to the instructions on the package. While the pasta is cooking, make the easy alfredo sauce recipe.

Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water just in case you need it. Then, add the cooked fettuccine to the alfredo sauce and stir until coated. Thin with the reserved pasta water, if necessary. Serve immediately.

Want more ways to use alfredo sauce? Try one of these recipes:

Chicken Alfredo Soup is homemade comfort in a bowl. With chicken, alfredo sauce, noodles, and bacon, this soup is perfect for a family dinner on a cold winter night.

This Chicken Alfredo Spaghetti Squash recipe is low carb comfort food that is easy to make. Your family won’t even miss the pasta!

Make a Chicken Alfredo Pot Pie with creamy alfredo sauce filled with juicy chicken and tender vegetables topped with a flaky, golden crust.

Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is warm, comfort food at it’s finest. This easy, crockpot recipe will quickly become a favorite family dinner!