Imagine a sauce so decadently creamy, so luxuriously garlicky, that it transforms an ordinary pasta dish into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece. Our Extra Rich Garlic Alfredo Sauce is the secret weapon every home cook needs in their culinary arsenal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a sauce so irresistible that your family and friends will be begging for seconds (and the recipe)!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 4 cloves of garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow it to melt completely without browning, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
- After the garlic has sautéed, slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. This will help to combine the ingredients smoothly.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Once the cream has simmered, reduce the heat back to medium and gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount of salt and pepper, and adjust according to your preference.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving. This sauce can be used immediately over pasta, or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- If the sauce thickens too much upon cooling, you can reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The key to an exceptional Alfredo sauce is using fresh garlic and real Parmesan cheese.
- Prevent burning: When sautéing garlic, keep the heat at medium and stir constantly to avoid bitter, burnt flavors.
- Cheese matters: Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce. Pre-packaged cheese can be grainy.
- Consistency is king: If your sauce becomes too thick, slowly whisk in a little extra cream to achieve the perfect silky texture.
- Serving suggestion: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh chopped parsley just before serving.
- Storage hack: This sauce freezes beautifully. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat gently.
- Quick fix: If the sauce separates, whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to bring it back to a smooth consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
