Imagine a sauce so luxuriously creamy and rich that it transforms an ordinary pasta night into a gourmet dining experience. This Homemade Cream Cheese Alfredo Sauce is not just another recipe – it's a culinary revelation that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you'll create a restaurant-quality sauce that's impossibly smooth, decadently cheesy, and packed with incredible flavor that will make you forget all about store-bought alternatives.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, over low to medium heat, add the 8 oz of cream cheese. Allow it to soften for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the cream cheese is softened, gradually pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream while continuously stirring. This will help to create a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all ingredients, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the sauce.
- Continue to cook the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sauce is smooth, gradually add in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then adjust according to your preference.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help to thicken the sauce slightly and deepen the flavors.
- Once the sauce has reached your desired consistency, remove it from heat. It is now ready to be served over your favorite pasta or used in a variety of dishes.
- If not using immediately, keep the sauce warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, lump-free sauce possible.
- Always cook the sauce on low to medium heat to prevent burning and ensure a silky texture.
- Stir continuously while adding ingredients to help them blend seamlessly.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or some fresh chopped parsley.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little extra heavy cream or pasta water.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and provides more flavor than pre-packaged varieties.
- Taste and adjust seasoning gradually – you can always add more salt and pepper, but you can't take it away.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 457kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 10g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 29g
Cholesterol: 150mg
