Homemade Garlic Alfredo Sauce for the Christmas Holiday Recipe
This Homemade Garlic Alfredo Sauce is a rich and creamy delight perfect for adding a festive touch to your Christmas holiday meals. Made with butter, minced garlic, heavy cream, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and seasoned with black pepper and salt, this sauce elevates any pasta dish with its velvety texture and robust flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of sauce, serving 4 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 large cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 5 ounces parmesan cheese, freshly and finely grated
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked, or to taste
- salt, to taste (if needed)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of salted butter. Add the finely minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add Heavy Cream: Slowly pour in 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream while stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the cream from scorching on the bottom.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the 5 ounces of freshly and finely grated parmesan cheese while stirring continuously. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Add ½ teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper or to taste. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed, keeping in mind that the parmesan cheese is already salty.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 2-3 more minutes to develop the flavors and thicken slightly, stirring regularly. Serve hot over your favorite pasta or use as a creamy dip or drizzle for vegetables or chicken.
Notes
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese is important for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Be careful not to overheat the garlic, as burnt garlic turns bitter.
- Use salted butter, but adjust salt according to taste since parmesan adds saltiness.
- The sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately for best consistency.
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with fettuccine, penne, or grilled chicken dishes.
Keywords: Garlic Alfredo Sauce, Homemade Alfredo Sauce, Creamy Pasta Sauce, Christmas Sauce, Parmesan Alfredo, Easy Alfredo Sauce