Classic Italian Alfredo Sauce
Experience authentic Italian flavor with this delicious Alfredo sauce that rivals any five-star restaurant. This creamy and rich sauce blends perfectly with your favorite pasta, creating a delightful dish that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. The secret to this recipe lies in the use of freshly grated cheeses and a hint of nutmeg, which elevate the sauce's natural flavors. Whether enjoyed with a classic fettuccine or a mix of seasonal vegetables, this Alfredo sauce promises to impress at any dinner table. The simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike, creating a culinary masterpiece in just a matter of minutes.
N/A
Servings
189
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (Melted)
Heavy whipping cream
2 cups (None)
Cream cheese
2 tablespoons (Room temperature)
Ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Romano cheese
1/2 cup (Grated)
Garlic clove
1 clove (Grated (optional) or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional))
Salt
To taste (None)
Egg yolks
2 (None)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated (for garnish))
Parsley sprig
1 (For garnish)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, allowing it to become foamy but not browned.
2
Gradually pour in the heavy whipping cream and add the room-temperature cream cheese. Stir constantly with a whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
3
Sprinkle in the ground nutmeg, and add the grated Parmesan and Romano cheeses, along with the minced garlic (or garlic powder). Stir vigorously until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4
Taste the sauce and add salt as needed. Remember, you can adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
5
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolks and slowly mix in a couple of tablespoons of the hot sauce to temper them, ensuring they don't scramble.
6
Stir the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and continue to simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly to achieve a luscious, thick consistency.
7
Remove the sauce from the heat and serve immediately over your choice of pasta, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan and a sprig of parsley for an elegant presentation.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
1.5g
Carbs
6g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Classic Italian Alfredo Sauce?
It is a rich and creamy sauce made with butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, and a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheeses.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
This recipe contains approximately 189 calories per serving.
What is the fat content of the Alfredo sauce?
There are 17 grams of fat in this sauce recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
The sauce contains 1.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this Alfredo sauce provide?
This recipe provides 6 grams of protein.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much heavy whipping cream is required?
You will need 2 cups of heavy whipping cream for this recipe.
Why is cream cheese used in this Alfredo sauce?
Two tablespoons of room-temperature cream cheese are used to add extra creaminess and help thicken the sauce.
What is the secret flavor ingredient in this recipe?
A hint of ground nutmeg is the secret ingredient that elevates the natural flavors of the sauce.
What kinds of cheese are used in this recipe?
The sauce uses a combination of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Romano cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the sauce?
The sauce requires 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus an additional 1/4 cup for garnish.
How much Romano cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder as an alternative to one grated garlic clove.
How do I incorporate egg yolks without scrambling them?
You must temper the yolks by slowly mixing in a couple of tablespoons of the hot sauce into the beaten yolks before adding them back to the pan.
How many egg yolks are required?
The recipe uses 2 egg yolks to achieve a luscious, thick consistency.
How long should the sauce simmer after adding the yolks?
The sauce should simmer over medium-low heat for 3 to 5 minutes after adding the tempered yolks.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
The dish is best garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of parsley.
What heat should I use to melt the butter?
Melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes foamy.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Yes, the simplicity of the recipe makes it accessible for both novice and seasoned chefs.
Can I add vegetables to this Alfredo sauce?
Yes, this sauce blends perfectly with a mix of seasonal vegetables.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients used in this recipe.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, salt is added to taste at the end of the cooking process.
What should the consistency of the sauce be?
The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and thick.
What type of pasta is traditionally used with this sauce?
Fettuccine is a classic choice for Alfredo sauce, though any favorite pasta works well.
Should the cream cheese be cold when added?
No, the cream cheese should be at room temperature to ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, you should stir constantly with a whisk to maintain a smooth texture.
How long does it take to make the sauce?
The recipe can be completed in just a matter of minutes.
Is the garlic mandatory?
No, the garlic is listed as an optional ingredient.
How much nutmeg is used?
Only 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg is needed.
Can the sauce be served immediately?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the sauce immediately over hot pasta for the best experience.