Creamy parmesan butter sauce for pasta
Alfredo Sauce
Alfredo Sauce
15 minEasy
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4
2 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Alfredo Sauce
Creamy parmesan butter sauce for pasta
A luscious, velvety sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated parmesan. This classic alfredo comes together in just 10 minutes for an indulgent pasta night.
5m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
True alfredo is remarkably simple—just butter, cream, and parmesan emulsified into a silky sauce. The key is using freshly grated parmesan and adding pasta water to create the perfect consistency.
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1.5 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
HeatTool
Test Kitchen Pick
Saute Pan
Helpful Tool
Why a wide pan helps here
Recipes like this come together better when there is room to toss pasta or noodles directly in the sauce instead of crowding a smaller skillet.
A wider pan makes the sauce-and-finish step much easier.
- Better for tossing noodles in sauce
- More useful than a single-purpose pasta gadget
A large saute pan earns its keep quickly if pasta or noodle dishes are in regular rotation.
Shop saute pan options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until just foaming.
- 2
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, about 2 minutes.
- 3
Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan until melted and smooth.
- 4
Add pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- 5
Season with pepper and salt, toss with hot pasta immediately, and serve.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping
Finish with a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil
Pair with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette
Substitutions
Heavy creamHalf-and-half
Slightly thinner sauce but still creamy
ParmesanPecorino Romano
Sharper and saltier—use slightly less
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Olive Oil
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the olive oil matters
On recipes like this, olive oil is not just a background fat. A better bottle gives you cleaner flavor and a better finish.
This is one of the few pantry upgrades that keeps paying off every time you cook in this lane.
- Useful in dressings, sauces, and finishing
- Improves flavor without changing the recipe structure
A good bottle of olive oil is one of the safest pantry upgrades for Mediterranean and Italian cooking.
Shop olive oil for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
Always grate your own parmesan—pre-shredded cheese will make a gritty sauce.
Toss sauce with pasta off the heat to prevent the cheese from breaking.
Storage
Best served immediately. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days.
Reheating
Reheat very gently over low heat with a splash of cream, stirring constantly.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (95mg) · 4 servings
Calories360
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein12g
Carbohydrates32g
Fat4g
Fiber580mg
Sugar0g
Sodium2g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is my sauce grainy?
- The heat was too high or pre-shredded cheese was used. Melt cheese off the heat.
- Can I add garlic?
- Yes, sauté minced garlic in the butter for 30 seconds before adding cream.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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