Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper and parsley make a rich stovetop Alfredo-style sauce.
What It Is
Butter, heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper and parsley make a rich stovetop Alfredo-style sauce.
Origin
This is my italian-leaning version, built around the ingredients and method that give the recipe its character.
Fun Fact
The original Roman fettuccine Alfredo was famously simple, centred on butter and Parmesan; heavy cream is characteristic of many North American adaptations.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried parsley
Steps
- Melt butter over medium heat. Add cream and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add garlic, salt, pepper and parsley.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan until completely melted. Serve immediately.
Notes
Taste before the final adjustment. A recipe should guide dinner, not bully it. If it needs a little more acid, sweetness, salt or heat, make the change in small steps instead of launching the whole spice rack into orbit.
Substitutions
Use equivalent ingredients where needed for allergies or availability, but keep the main sweet/sour/salty/spicy balance intact. This is cooking, not a hostage negotiation.
Storage
Store in a clean airtight container in the refrigerator. Use a clean spoon each time because introducing mystery crumbs is how condiments develop side quests.
Freezing
Most dry seasonings do not need freezing. For wet sauces, freeze in small portions only if the ingredients tolerate it; creamy emulsions may separate after thawing.