Description
A quick and easy Alfredo sauce recipe that combines creamy cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a rich and velvety sauce perfect for tossing with fettuccine pasta. This simple stovetop method allows you to whip up a deliciously indulgent meal in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked fettuccine
Sauce
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook it al dente according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta when done but reserve a small cup of the hot pasta water.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: While the pasta cooks, microwave the cream cheese in 20-30 second intervals until it becomes very soft, making it easier to incorporate into the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: In a skillet over medium heat, combine the butter, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and minced garlic. Stir continuously using a spoon or whisk to help the cream cheese melt smoothly into the mixture as the butter melts.
- Simmer and Thicken the Sauce: Once the cream cheese is fully blended, let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to reduce and thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
- Add Parmesan and Adjust Consistency: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt fully into the sauce for about 30 seconds. Remove the pan from heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Toss the sauce with the drained pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, ensure the cream cheese is very soft before adding it to the skillet.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s thickness as needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and meltability.
- The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so serve promptly for optimal texture.
- You can add cooked chicken or vegetables to enhance this dish.
