Microwave Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Sauce
This Microwave Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Sauce is a quick and luscious sauce that brings the rich flavors of traditional Alfredo right to your kitchen in just minutes. Using simple ingredients like whipping cream, butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this versatile sauce can elevate any pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners, it pairs beautifully with fresh pasta and a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper. Feel free to customize it with your favorite cooked additions like mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli, shrimp, or chicken for a heartier meal.
4-6 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whipping cream
3/4 cup (no preparation needed)
Butter
1/4 cup (no substitutes, cut into pieces)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a 1-quart microwave-safe dish, combine 3/4 cup of whipping cream and 1/4 cup of butter. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is very hot but not boiling.
2
Carefully remove the dish from the microwave and stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3
Toss the hot sauce with your choice of cooked pasta, ensuring an even coating. Adjust seasoning with more pepper if desired.
4
For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Microwave Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Sauce?
It is a quick and luscious sauce that brings the rich flavors of traditional Alfredo to your kitchen in just minutes using a microwave.
How long does it take to make this sauce?
The sauce is very fast, requiring only 2-3 minutes of microwave time followed by a quick stir.
What are the main ingredients for this Alfredo sauce?
The main ingredients are whipping cream, butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground pepper.
Can I use a substitute for whipping cream?
While whipping cream provides the best richness, you could use heavy cream for a similar result.
What kind of butter should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter, cut into pieces for even melting; no substitutes are recommended for the best flavor.
Is freshly grated Parmesan cheese necessary?
Yes, using grated Parmesan cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the hot cream and butter mixture.
What size microwave-safe dish should I use?
A 1-quart microwave-safe dish is the ideal size for this recipe.
How do I know when the cream and butter mixture is ready?
Microwave it on high until it is very hot but not yet boiling, which usually takes 2-3 minutes.
What is the first step in the instructions?
Combine 3/4 cup of whipping cream and 1/4 cup of butter in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high.
When do I add the Parmesan cheese?
Add the cheese after removing the hot cream and butter mixture from the microwave.
How do I achieve a smooth and creamy consistency?
After adding the cheese and pepper, mix the ingredients thoroughly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
What kind of pasta goes best with this sauce?
This sauce pairs beautifully with fresh pasta or any of your favorite cooked pasta shapes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings.
Can I add protein to this Alfredo sauce?
Yes, you can customize it by adding cooked shrimp or chicken for a heartier meal.
Are there any vegetable additions recommended?
Cooked mushrooms, tomatoes, and broccoli are excellent vegetable additions to this sauce.
Is any garnish suggested for serving?
Garnishing with chopped fresh parsley adds a nice fresh touch before serving.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe relies on the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese and the flavor of freshly ground pepper, but you can adjust seasoning to taste.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free as long as your ingredients like butter and cheese are certified gluten-free.
How should I prep the butter?
The butter should be cut into pieces to help it melt quickly and evenly in the microwave.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can reheat it gently, though it may thicken upon standing.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as luscious, smooth, and creamy.
Why is freshly ground pepper used?
Freshly ground pepper provides a more intense and bright flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is extremely simple and perfect for anyone looking for a quick and easy meal solution.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
You can add a small splash of additional cream or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use this sauce for things other than pasta?
Yes, it works well as a topping for vegetables or as a dip for breadsticks.
Is it okay to boil the cream and butter?
The instructions specify to heat it until very hot but not boiling to prevent the cream from curdling or overflowing.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 4 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I add garlic to this recipe?
While not in the original list, adding garlic powder or minced garlic would be a great way to customize the flavor.
Is this an Italian-style recipe?
Yes, it is categorized under Italian cuisine tags.
Why use a microwave for Alfredo sauce?
The microwave method makes it a perfect '30-minute meal' or faster, ideal for busy weeknights.