Traditional Alfredo Sauce

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

A classic comfort food, Traditional Alfredo Sauce is creamy, rich, and incredibly satisfying. This simple recipe focuses on quality ingredients to create a luxurious sauce that elevates any pasta dish. Perfect for a cozy night in or an upscale dinner, it's a must-try for any home cook.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy, ready in just 15 minutes.
  • Uses only six simple ingredients.
  • Rich and creamy texture without any thickeners or fillers.
  • Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Pinch of nutmeg

Ingredients Explained

Butter is the foundation of this sauce, providing a rich base and flavor. Heavy cream adds the creaminess, creating a velvety texture that's simply irresistible. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the star, adding depth with its nutty, savory taste. The salt and black pepper enhance and balance the flavors, while a pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that ties everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting. Pre-grated can cause a grainy texture.
  • Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent it from clumping.
  • If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.

Detailed Instructions

First, take a medium saucepan and place it over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely. This usually takes just a couple of minutes, and it’s a good time to keep an eye on it to avoid browning. Once the butter has melted, pour in the heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to keep it from sticking to the pan. You’ll notice the cream starting to thicken slightly as it heats.

Now, reduce the heat to low. This is crucial because we don’t want to scorch the cream. Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously. This step requires a bit of patience — you'll want to ensure each addition of cheese melts fully before adding more. As you stir, watch the sauce transform into a silky smooth consistency.

Once the cheese is fully incorporated, season the sauce with salt and black pepper. Give it a taste to ensure it’s to your liking, then add a small pinch of nutmeg. Stir everything together to combine the flavors thoroughly. When the sauce is perfectly smooth, remove it from the heat. It’s now ready to be served over your favorite pasta. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg, stirring to combine.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately over your favorite pasta.

Serving Suggestions

This Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with fettuccine, but it's also fantastic over gnocchi or as a base for a creamy chicken Alfredo. For a burst of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Consider serving alongside a crisp Caesar salad and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute milk for heavy cream?
You can, but the texture and richness of the sauce will be compromised. Consider using a mixture of milk and a small amount of butter as an alternative.
How do I store leftover Alfredo sauce?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess.

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