Ina Garten Alfredo Sauce is one of the best creamy and tasty homemade Alfredo sauces you will ever make. This recipe is not included in the Barefoot Contessa cookbook, which is why I’m providing you with the recipe details.
This easy and quicke alfredo sauce is made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, cream cheese, and a blend of seasonings, comes together in less than 15 minutes. The recipe yields approximately 2 to 2.5 cups of alfredo sauce, which is the perfect amount to generously coat 1 lb (16-15 ounces) of pasta.
Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces of cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
How To Make Alfredo Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy whipping cream and cream cheese, and whisk until they are melted and well combined.
- Next, add the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth.
- Now, it’s time to incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese. Add it to the saucepan and continue whisking until it is fully melted and blended into the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, it’s ready to be tossed with fettuccine pasta.
How To Thicken Alfredo Sauce
To Make Your Alfredo Sauce Thicker Follow Those Steps:
- Slowly add cream cheese: While stirring the sauce, gradually incorporate small chunks of cream cheese. This method helps thicken the sauce and creates a creamy texture.
- Use a roux: Melt equal amounts of butter and flour (about 1 teaspoon each) to make a roux. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth paste, then gradually add it to the sauce while whisking continuously. The roux acts as a thickening agent, resulting in a thicker consistency.
How To Thin Out Alfredo Sauce
If Alfredo sauce becomes too thick, you can make it thinner by adding some milk or heavy cream. Start by adding about 1 tablespoon of milk or heavy cream at a time while stirring, until becomes thin again.
What Kind Of Cheeses Can You Use For Alfredo Sauce
The best and most commonly used cheese for Alfredo sauce is Parmesan, but you can also use other types of cheese such as mozzarella or even cheddar.
If you use mozzarella or cheddar instead of parmesan in this Alfredo sauce, simply use the same amount of cheese as recommended in the recipe (about 1 cup).
Best Seasonings For Alfredo Sauce
The best seasonings that goes well with Alfredo sauce are garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ground pepper. However, you can also add other seasonings like basil, parsley, oregano, or rosemary.
To spice up your Alfredo sauce, add more garlic powder. For this recipe, consider adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Alfredo Sauce Variation And Substitutions:
How To Make Gluten-Free Alfredo Sauce
This Alfredo sauce recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to make any changes or substitutions.
How To Make Dairy-Free Alfredo Sauce
To make this Alfredo sauce dairy-free, just substitute the heavy cream with dairy-free cream or nut milk in the same amount. Also, use dairy-free or vegan cheese crumbles instead of Parmesan.
To be honest, I don’t recommend making it dairy-free because the dairy ingredients are key to achieving a rich and creamy texture in Alfredo sauce. However, if it is necessary, feel free to go on with the substitutions.
How To Make Vegan Alfredo Sauce
To make this Alfredo sauce vegan, simply substitute the cream with nut or almond milk and use vegan cheese instead of Parmesan. However, please note that replacing the cream with milk may result in a thinner sauce, If you need to thicken your sauce up a little more, then add 1 to 2 teaspoons of flour until become thick.
What To Do With Alfredo Sauce
- Serve with pasta: One of the most popular and traditional ways to enjoy Alfredo sauce is by pairing it with fettuccine pasta. Use approximately 2-2.5 cup of Alfredo sauce for every 1 pound (16-15 ounces) of pasta. You can also try it with spaghetti or tortellini pasta.
- Serve with cooked chicken: Chicken Alfredo is a classic and delicious option. Simply cook the chicken breasts and serve them with Alfredo sauce and cooked fettuccine.
- Use with roasted vegetables: Alfredo sauce pairs well with roasted mushrooms, asparagus, and zucchini. Toss the vegetables in the sauce for a creamy and flavorful side dish.
- Shrimp with Alfredo sauce: Bake shrimp in the oven and serve it with Alfredo sauce. Garnish with parsley and ground pepper for added freshness.
- Use it as pizza sauce: Alfredo sauce can be a tasty alternative to traditional tomato-based pizza sauce. Spread it on your pizza crust and top with your favorite ingredients for a creamy and flavorful pizza experience.
What Meat Goes Well With Alfredo Sauce
Chicken, salmon, shrimp, bacon, and pork goes well with Alfredo sauce. The creamy and rich sauce perfectly complements the flavors of these meats, creating a delicious combination.
Does Ground Beef Go With Alfredo Sauce
Yes, ground beef pairs well with Alfredo sauce. Alfredo sauce adds a robust flavor to ground beef and makes it taste so good and creamy. Simply brown the beef with onions and garlic, then mix it into the sauce. This combo can be served over pasta or used in lasagna or stuffed shells.
How Long Does Alfredo Sauce Last In The Fridge
Homemade Alfredo sauce can last in the fridge for up to 5 days. To store Alfredo sauce correctly, let it cool to room temperature first, then pour it into a tightly sealed glass jar or container and place it in the fridge.
How To Reheat Alfredo Sauce Without Separation
To prevent Alfredo sauce from separating when reheating, warm it over low heat on the stove. Add a little bit of milk (about 1/2 tablespoon) and stir frequently until it’s warm. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add more milk or cream to thin it out.
Can You Freeze Alfredo Sauce
Yes, Alfredo sauce freezes well. To freeze it correctly, first, allow the sauce to cool to room temperature. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. Seal it tightly and place it in the freezer. Alfredo sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen Alfredo sauce, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and prevents it from separating.
Alfredo Sauce Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 329
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Cholesterol: 111mg
- Sodium: 347mg
- Potassium: 67mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 1218IU
- Vitamin C: 1mg
- Calcium: 159mg
- Iron: 1mg
Alfredo Sauce FAQs
Can You Mix Alfredo Sauce And Spaghetti Sauce Together
Yes, you can mix Alfredo sauce and spaghetti sauce together. The combination of the creamy Alfredo sauce and the tangy tomato-based spaghetti sauce can create a delicious and unique flavor.
What Is Tomato And Alfredo Sauce Mixed Called
When tomato sauce and Alfredo sauce are mixed together, they often call it “pink sauce” or “rosa sauce” due to the resulting color from the combination of the two.
Does Alfredo Sauce Have Egg
Traditional Alfredo sauce does not contain egg. It’s typically made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese. However, some variations of the recipe may include egg yolks for added richness.
Can You Use Powdered Parmesan Cheese In Alfredo Sauce
Yes, you can use powdered Parmesan cheese in Alfredo sauce. Simply replace the fresh Parmesan with an equal amount of powdered Parmesan, which is 1 cup.
Can You Make Alfredo Sauce With Buttermilk
Yes, you can make Alfredo sauce with buttermilk. Just replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of buttermilk, which is 2 cups.
Can You Use Shaker Parmesan Cheese For Alfredo Sauce
Yes, you can use shaker Parmesan cheese for Alfredo sauce. Just replace the fresh Parmesan with an equal amount of shaker Parmesan, which is 1 cup.
Can You Use Evaporated Milk In Alfredo Sauce
Yes, You can use evaporated milk In alfredo sauce. Simply replace the heavy cream with an equal amount of evaporated milk, which is 2 cups.
More Amazing Alfredo Recipes:
Ina Garten Alfredo Sauce
Description
Ina Garten’s Alfredo Sauce is one of the most creamy and tasty homemade Alfredo sauces you will ever make. This recipe is not included in the Barefoot Contessa cookbook, which is why I’m providing you with the recipe details.
This Alfredo sauce is made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, cream cheese, and a blend of seasonings. This Alfredo sauce recipe is gluten-free and does not contain flour or milk.
Ina Garten Alfredo Sauce Ingredients
How To Make Ina Garten Alfredo Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy whipping cream and cream cheese, and whisk until they are melted and well combined.
- Next, add the minced garlic, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until it becomes smooth.
- Now, it’s time to incorporate the grated Parmesan cheese. Add it to the saucepan and continue whisking until it is fully melted and blended into the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, it’s ready to be tossed with fettuccine pasta.