Lemon Herb Alfredo Sauce

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Lemon Herb Alfredo Sauce is a delightful twist on the classic favorite. With its creamy richness and a zesty lemon kick, this sauce is perfect for those who crave something a little more exciting than the usual Alfredo. It's the perfect way to brighten up your pasta night!

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Alfredo Sauce

Heavy cream provides the rich and creamy base that defines Alfredo sauce. It's what gives the sauce its luxurious texture. Parmesan cheese, with its sharp and nutty flavor, melts into the cream for that signature Alfredo taste. Unsalted butter adds depth and smoothness, while the lemon zest and lemon juice introduce a refreshing brightness that elevates the entire dish. Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme bring a subtle earthiness, and garlic infuses the sauce with an aromatic kick. Finally, a touch of salt and black pepper rounds out the flavors, balancing the richness and acidity beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a smoother sauce, ensure your Parmesan cheese is freshly grated.
  • Experiment with different herbs if you like — basil or chives could be interesting alternatives.
  • Adjust the lemon juice to your personal taste; start with a little and add more if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine or any pasta of your choice. For a complete meal, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp. It's also a lovely topping for roasted vegetables or as a dip for crusty bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. You might need to simmer it longer to thicken.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Lemon Herb Alfredo Sauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You want it to be fully melted but not browned, so keep an eye on it. Once it's melted, add in the minced garlic. Let it cook just until it's fragrant — about a minute should do. Be careful not to let it burn.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer. You want those tiny bubbles around the edges, not a rolling boil. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it's fully melted and the sauce is smooth. This should take just a couple of minutes, and it's important to keep stirring so you avoid any cheese clumps.

Now, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme. These ingredients will add that fresh, zesty flavor. Stir everything together until well combined. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your liking, and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it's slightly thickened.

When it's done, serve it immediately. This sauce is perfect over pasta, but it's also delicious drizzled on chicken or vegetables.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Brings a fresh, citrusy twist to traditional Alfredo.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
  • Versatile enough to pair with various dishes.

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
5. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme, stirring to combine.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
8. Serve immediately over pasta or as a drizzle over your favorite dish.

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