Garlic Basil Alfredo Sauce

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8

This Garlic Basil Alfredo Sauce is your ticket to creamy, dreamy pasta bliss. With its fresh basil aroma and rich, garlicky flavor, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home or an impressive meal for guests. Ready in just about 20 minutes, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich, creamy texture without being overly heavy.
  • Fresh basil adds a delightful, aromatic touch.
  • Customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies.

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients Explained

Olive oil kicks off the sauce with a smooth base for sautéing the garlic, adding a subtle fruitiness. Garlic is the star here, infusing the sauce with its pungent, delicious aroma. Heavy cream brings the rich, velvety texture that makes Alfredo sauce so indulgent, while unsalted butter adds depth and smoothness. The Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, offering a savory and nutty flavor that’s hard to resist. Fresh basil brightens everything up with its herbal notes, and a touch of salt and black pepper enhances all these wonderful flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting and flavor.
  • Adjust the garlic to your taste — more for a stronger kick, less if you prefer subtlety.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Detailed Instructions

Start by heating up your medium saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the minced garlic. You’re aiming for fragrant, not burnt, so keep a close eye and stir it around for about a minute. Next, pour in the heavy cream and drop in the unsalted butter. Stir occasionally as the butter melts and the mixture starts to bubble gently.

Lower the heat to keep things smooth and steady. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, ensuring it melts completely to thicken the sauce nicely. Stir in the chopped basil, salt, and black pepper, and let it cook for another couple of minutes, stirring constantly. This will help meld all the flavors together.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the sauce to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps it thicken a bit more, making it perfect for coating pasta or whatever you choose to serve it with.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Pour in the heavy cream and add the unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to bubble.
3. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens.
4. Stir in the chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Remove from heat and let the sauce stand for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine or any pasta you love. It’s also fantastic over grilled chicken or shrimp. For a full meal, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for added texture and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, but use sparingly — dried basil is more concentrated. Start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
How can I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream if needed.

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