The Easiest Alfredo Sauce

You likely have the ingredients for this Simple Alfredo Sauce recipe on hand already! Ready in about 10 minutes and can easily be adjusted to serve more or less.

You can pretty much guarantee that if Fettuccine Alfredo is on the menu, that’s what I am ordering.  I know, I’m a boring “foodie”, but my love for this stuff runs deep.  It’s delicious with pasta obviously, but I’ve also made pizza with it.

Sometimes the best ideas are born from necessity.  In my organizing frenzy last month I made it my mission to clean out the pantry and refrigerator.  This simple Alfredo sauce recipe is a result of that… half a bag of pasta with a little leftover cheese, cream, garlic and voila! 

I debated over calling this mac and cheese or Alfredo.  The first time I threw it together I didn’t use any Parmesan and had more of a white sauce mac and cheese in mind.  The second time I added just a small amount of Parmesan and instantly loved the richer flavor.

This is such an easy alfredo sauce recipe, and you probably already have the ingredients in your fridge/pantry right now.  It comes together in the time it takes for you to boil your pasta, and can easily be adjusted to serve more or less.  Trust me, after making your own you will never reach for the boxed stuff again. 

Next mission: homemade fresh pasta!

What’s in This Simple Alfredo Sauce? 

The beauty of this quick Alfredo sauce recipe is that it requires no special ingredients. It’s an Alfredo sauce with heavy cream and a healthy dose of cheese — so delicious! 

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Alfredo sauce in a jiffy: 

• Garlic
• All-purpose flour
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Cabot white sharp cheddar cheese
• Parmesan
• Whole milk
• Salt and pepper
• Red pepper flakes (optional) 

How to Make Homemade Alfredo Sauce

1. First, make a roux. To do so, simply cook the butter and flour in a saucepan, stirring constantly. 
2. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. 
3. Slowly pour in the cream, stirring the whole time. 
4. Add both kinds of cheese. 
5. Add milk as needed to smooth out the consistency of the simple Alfredo sauce. 
6. Season with salt and pepper. 
7. Combine the quick Alfredo sauce with cooked pasta and garnish with red pepper flakes. 

How Long Does Alfredo Sauce Last? 

If you wind up with leftovers of this simple Alfredo sauce, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It should last up to 5 days if stored properly. 

Can You Freeze Alfredo Sauce? 

Yes, this easy Alfredo sauce can be frozen. Note that Alfredo sauce will become clumpy once frozen since there’s so much dairy in it. When reheating the sauce, keep stirring it to remove the clumps. You may need to add a splash of milk as well. 

Tips for Making Simple Alfredo Sauce

The key to making a creamy, smooth Alfredo sauce is to keep stirring it. A whisk is best for this recipe. Classic Alfredo sauce is easy to make, but it does require some babysitting! 

If your Alfredo sauce looks a little runny, let it cook a little longer on the stovetop (whisking constantly, of course). 

If your Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a splash of whole milk to thin it out. Add the milk a little at a time until your desired consistency is reached. 

More Easy Pasta Recipes: 

• Green Chile Macaroni and Cheese
• Creamy Parmesan Risotto
• Easy Lasagna (without Ricotta!)
• One-Skillet Baked Spaghetti
• Three Cheese Stuffed Shells