Put down the store-bought jar—our easy Alfredo will make you a homemade pasta sauce believer. Because it's so simple to make, we recommend really taking the time (and choosing the right ingredients) to make this sauce the best it can be. Whether you use it in a classic pasta dish or turn it into a winning app, this is the time to do it right. Read on for our top tips for perfecting this rich sauce, so you can use it in all your fave recipes.
What is Alfredo sauce?
Alfredo sauce began its journey from Italy to America in 1914 in Rome. Traditionally, it was made with just cheese and butter (when in Rome!), before American tourists (or silent film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks, as legend has it) got involved. In the U.S., it’s made with a combination of melted butter and heavy cream, which is emulsified with grated Parmesan cheese. Some variations also include a touch of nutmeg, cracked black pepper, and/or parsley, though we keep ours more straightforward.
Top tips for smooth & creamy Alfredo sauce:
— Use grated or finely chopped garlic. Regular chopping just won’t cut it in this recipe—grated or finely chopped garlic will add more garlicky flavor and will also incorporate more fully into the sauce instead of leaving little garlic bits behind.
— Buy a block of Parmigiano-Reggiano. It’s a major ingredient in this simple recipe, so it's worth seeking out the good stuff and grating it yourself. If the block you have has a rind, look for little dots, a pattern that spells out Parmigiano-Reggiano on the rind of full wheels of the cheese.
— Control the heat. Creamy sauces like low, gentle heat. Pull the heavy cream off the heat when whisking in the Parmesan cheese to prevent the cheese from breaking or clumping.
— Don’t skip the heavy cream. We think it’s worth it to use heavy cream in this recipe, both for its full-fat flavor and silky consistency. If you really need a substitute, you can use half-and-half, but keep in mind you may have to cook the sauce a little longer to reduce it to a thick sauce.
What goes with Alfredo sauce?
We love Alfredo sauce, and are constantly trying to use it in creative ways. Classic chicken fettuccine Alfredo, weeknight-friendly one- pan ranch chicken Alfredo, and party perfect Alfredo asparagus bundles are three of our faves, but there’s no limit to how you can use this creamy sauce.
Storage.
Store leftover Alfredo in a glass jar or airtight container for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Tip: Double or triple the recipe and stash the extra sauce in the freezer, where it will last for up to 1 month.
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