One of my fondest memories growing up was when my neighbors, the Johnsons, would invite us over for dinner. Mrs. Johnson was an amazing cook, and she would always prepare the most delicious meals. One of my all-time favorites was her homemade Alfredo sauce. It was so creamy and flavorful, and I would always ask for seconds. Over the years, I’ve tried to replicate her sauce, and I think I’ve finally nailed it! I’m excited to share this easy Alfredo sauce recipe with you, and I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
How to Prepare Easy Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1 package (8 ounces) of cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 cups of milk
- 6 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper
Directions:
- Start by gathering all the ingredients.
- In a medium, non-stick saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the cream cheese and garlic powder, and stir with a wire whisk until the mixture is smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and ground black pepper.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat once the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Be careful, as the sauce will thicken rapidly. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it with a little bit of milk.
- Toss the sauce with hot pasta and serve immediately.
Can I make this Alfredo sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this Alfredo sauce ahead of time. Just prepare the sauce according to the recipe and then let it cool completely. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve it, gently reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little milk if necessary to thin it out.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, you can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Simply substitute 2 minced garlic cloves for the 2 teaspoons of garlic powder in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Parmesan cheese is the traditional cheese used in Alfredo sauce, but you can experiment with other hard, aged cheeses such as Romano or Grana Padano. Just be aware that the flavor of the sauce will change depending on the cheese you use.
Can I add vegetables or protein to the sauce?
Absolutely! You can add cooked vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach to the sauce. You can also add cooked protein like chicken, shrimp, or bacon. Just make sure to cook any additions thoroughly before adding them to the sauce.
How can I make this sauce gluten-free?
This sauce is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. Just make sure to serve it with gluten-free pasta.
Can I freeze this Alfredo sauce?
It is not recommended to freeze this Alfredo sauce as the dairy ingredients may separate and the texture may change upon thawing. It is best to make the sauce fresh or store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Easy Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 cups milk
- 6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Melt butter in a medium, non-stick saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring with a wire whisk until smooth.
- Add milk, a little at a time, whisking to smooth out lumps.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and pepper.
- Remove from heat when sauce reaches desired consistency. Sauce will thicken rapidly.
- Thin with milk if cooked too long.
- Toss with hot pasta to serve.
