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Skip the jarred stuff. This easy Alfredo sauce with cream comes together in the time it takes to boil pasta and is better than anything store-bought.
Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Cream
If your family loves pasta night as much as mine, having a go-to Alfredo recipe is a must. This creamy version made with heavy cream is quick, rich, and totally hits the spot.
Once you see how simple it is to make, you’ll be hooked. We’re so obsessed with it that when I’m out of cream, I make Alfredo sauce with half-and-half. Sometimes, I even make it with cream cheese, or I use my cottage cheese Alfredo recipe, which gives a protein boost. This one is the classic, though.
Ingredients
This Alfredo sauce comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Butter and garlic build the base, while heavy cream and milk (preferably whole) make it rich and velvety. Parmesan cheese adds that classic salty flavor and helps it stick to your favorite pasta. A pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg (which is optional) ties it all together.
Why This Recipe Uses Milk and Cream
Heavy cream gives Alfredo its signature richness, while milk lightens it so the sauce stays smooth and pourable. Together, they create a silky sauce that coats your pasta without feeling too heavy.
How to Make Alfredo Sauce with Cream
The recipe card has all the details, including a quick video showing you how it’s done. Essentially, you’ll:
- Cook the pasta while you make the sauce, so everything comes together when the pasta is done.
- Make the sauce in a large pan with sides (a skillet) big enough to fit the cooked pasta later. Toast the garlic in butter first, then you’ll whisk in the cream, milk, Parmesan, and seasonings, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth.
- Add the pasta with the sauce, and use kitchen tongs to toss to coat every strand.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest sauce since Alfredo thickens as it cools. Serve this with an easy side salad or crusty bread.
Other Ways To Make Alfredo
We use it for tortellini Alfredo, with Ravioli, and even mac & cheese Alfredo. You can add salmon with Alfredo, use it over blackened chicken, or even for Alfredo and ham. Like I said, we’re obsessed.
Easy Alfredo Sauce with Cream
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 garlic clove*, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, optional
- 16 ounces pasta, any
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
- Cook the pasta following the instructions on the box. Drain the water and set aside. I like to make the sauce as the pasta cooks, so they finish together and can be combined right away.
Make the sauce:
- Over medium heat, melt the butter in a skillet with sides. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, until it turns golden, about 1 minute. If using garlic powder, melt the butter, add the powder, and immediately proceed to the next step.
- Pour in the cream or half-and-half and milk, stirring constantly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using) and combine. Bring the sauce to a light simmer, and then reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the Alfredo sauce for about 5 minutes.
Combine:
- Add the pasta to the skillet and use tongs to combine it with the Alfredo sauce. Serve it with additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- You can also use ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if you don't have a clove.
Gemma says
Great alfredo sauce. Easy to make and my family liked it a lot.
Lucy says
This was so yummy!