Herb-Infused Alfredo Sauce

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Herb-Infused Alfredo Sauce brings a fresh twist to a classic comfort food favorite. With the aromatic blend of fresh herbs and a hint of lemon zest, this sauce is perfect for elevating your pasta dishes to a new level of deliciousness.

Ingredients for Herb-Infused Alfredo Sauce

The backbone of our sauce is heavy cream, providing the creamy texture that we all crave in an Alfredo. Parmesan cheese adds that quintessential salty, umami flavor, while unsalted butter contributes to the richness and helps meld the flavors together. Minced garlic brings a pungent, aromatic kick that pairs beautifully with the herbs. Speaking of herbs, fresh parsley and basil introduce vibrant, green notes that brighten the sauce. A touch of lemon zest cuts through the creaminess, adding a refreshing zing. Finally, salt and pepper round off the taste, making sure all the flavors pop, and olive oil adds a subtle fruity depth.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a smoother sauce, grate the Parmesan cheese freshly yourself.
  • To save time, prepare all the ingredients before starting to cook.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is a dream over fettuccine or linguine, but don't stop there. Try it drizzled over grilled chicken or as a decadent dip for crusty bread. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or can be used as a sauce for your favorite seafood dishes, like shrimp or scallops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use a smaller amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. Start with a teaspoon each and adjust to taste.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen it up.

Herb-Infused Alfredo Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Begin by grabbing a medium saucepan and setting it over medium heat. Melt together the butter and olive oil. This combo not only prevents the butter from burning but also adds a rich flavor base. Once the butter has fully melted and combined with the oil, toss in the minced garlic. You'll want to keep a close eye here — sauté just until the garlic is fragrant, about a minute or so. It should smell amazing, not burnt.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen. Lower the heat a touch if it starts bubbling too vigorously; a gentle simmer is key. Once simmering, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce smooths out. No one wants clumps in their sauce!

Now it’s time to infuse the sauce with flavor. Add your chopped parsley, basil, and lemon zest. Stir well to ensure they're evenly distributed throughout. Season with salt and pepper to taste — remember, the Parmesan is salty, so taste as you go.

Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld all these flavors together. Then, take it off the heat. You've got a luscious, herb-infused Alfredo sauce that's ready to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Packs a fresh herb punch that livens up any pasta dish.
  • Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
  • Rich and creamy, without being overly heavy.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the chopped parsley, basil, and lemon zest.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

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