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–+ servings

Classic Creamy Alfredo Sauce

This Classic Creamy Alfredo Sauce is rich, creamy, and perfectly silky with a smooth, restaurant-quality finish. Made with butter, garlic, shallots, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan, it comes together in under 25 minutes and clings beautifully to pasta. A touch of pasta water creates that signature glossy texture, making this sauce indulgent yet balanced. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or elevated comfort food.
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Course: Main Course, Pasta, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: authentic alfredo, creamy alfredo, creamy parmesan sauce, garlic parmesan alfredo, homemade alfredo, homemade alfredo sauce, parmesan alfredo
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small shallot minced
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • ½ –¾ cup reserved pasta water as needed
  • Pinch salt
  • Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add minced shallot and garlic and cook 2–3 minutes until soft, translucent, and fragrant (do not brown).
  • Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty.
  • Slowly whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened and able to coat the back of a spoon. Add salt and black pepper.
  • Reduce the heat to low, or remove the pan from heat. Add the parmesan gradually, whisking until fully melted and smooth before adding more.
  • Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (starting with ¼ cup), stirring until sauce becomes glossy and silky. Add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
  • Season with a little more salt and cracked black pepper as needed. Toss immediately with hot pasta and serve right away.