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.
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.
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.
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.