Name: Simple Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 13 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp salt, to taste; 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 1/4 tsp nutmeg, optional

A simple Alfredo sauce is quick to make from scratch with just a few ingredients, including heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups
Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp (½ stick)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 2 cups
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Salt: ½ tsp, to taste
Black pepper: ¼ tsp, freshly ground
Nutmeg: ¼ tsp, optional for added warmth

Instructions

Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds, or until it becomes fragrant without browning.
Add cream and simmer: Slowly whisk in the heavy cream until it’s combined with the butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.
Melt in the cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Whisking constantly helps prevent the sauce from clumping.
Season and serve: Whisk in the salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. For a thinner sauce, you can add a little extra cream or pasta water.
Finish your dish: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta, and serve immediately.