Even novice cooks can master this easy Alfredo sauce recipe! It uses simple ingredients and only takes 15 minutes to make in your own kitchen. It's rich, creamy, and has a not-so-secret ingredient that sets it apart from the rest.
Love Alfredo? Try this Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo that has a kick or this Chicken Alfredo Ravioli Bake.

Why you'll love it
My favorite part about this homemade Alfredo sauce is just how quick to prepare it is. If you're making it with fettuccine, this sauce only takes as much time to cook as it does to boil the pasta! When you want to make a decadent treat for your whole family, this is sure to hit the spot. It's a restaurant-quality dinner.
This Alfredo sauce is the standalone version of the sauce in my Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo and Easy Shrimp Alfredo recipes. You guys love those, but I figured it was time to have Alfredo sauce in a post on its own in all its creamy glory.

What exactly is Alfredo sauce?
- Alfredo sauce is simply a mix of butter, cream, parmesan cheese, and sometimes garlic. My trick to making the best Alfredo sauce is adding some cream cheese!
- It helps make it thicker and more silky. It also adds a little tanginess that stops the sauce from tasting too heavy. Purists would argue that cream cheese doesn't belong in here, but I respectfully disagree. It's glorious.
Ingredients you'll need
- Butter - we're using unsalted here
- Cream cheese - our signature ingredient for that silky tang
- Heavy cream - for even more luxuriousness
- Garlic - you can add more garlic if you wish. This sauce is garlicky but not overpowering.
- Parmesan - grating your own parmesan cheese is important since it's a key component. It just melts and tastes better. I always keep a block of parmesan in my fridge. It stays fresh for ages, and I use this cheese grater.

How to make Alfredo sauce
This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it soften on the counter, and grate the parmesan cheese. Boil your pasta if using.
- Add butter, cream cheese, heavy cream, and garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Let the butter melt, and then use a spoon to break up the cream cheese to melt and incorporate it in.
- Let it bubble very gently until it's reduced and thickened, stirring occasionally. Melt in the parmesan for 30 seconds, and remove from the heat. Season generously with salt & pepper!
Substitutions and variations
- Feel free to make substitutions, but do not expect the same results as this recipe that our kitchen has tested multiple times. It's meant to be a treat meal!
- With milk or half-and-half there's a chance the sauce will break since I don't use a roux in here. Alfredo sauce is notorious for separating, and that is one of the reasons I have selected these ingredients, to make it more user-friendly as well as delicious.
- However, you can definitely play with the sauce a bit and add more to it. It's a great base. Some ideas include adding a bit of Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes for some heat, small broccoli florets or some sweet corn, and leftover cooked/rotisserie chicken.

How to serve Alfredo sauce
- The obvious choice is fettuccine Alfredo, but any pasta works like linguini or spaghetti. Pair with breadsticks or garlic bread, or make a side salad for a lighter option. I suggest a Caesar salad with my 10-minute Caesar dressing.
- We're huge fans of using Alfredo sauce on a pizza instead of a tomato-based one. It adds so much creamy richness!
- You can even use it as a dip for bread, a sauce for salmon or chicken breasts, in a casserole or pasta bake, or over vegetables. There's really no wrong answer for how to enjoy it, and it's fun to think outside the box. Use it anywhere you'd use the jarred stuff.
Leftovers and storage
- The sauce will last for 3-5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container like a mason jar.
- I recommend reheating it slowly on a very low heat on the stove. Add a splash more cream to revive it. If microwaving, be sure to stir every 30 seconds or so and use low power if possible so it doesn't separate.
- I don't recommend freezing it as it will easily break when reheating and possibly have a grainy texture after thawing.

Questions about this Alfredo sauce recipe? Did you make it? Let me know in the comments below, and tag me #saltandlavender if you're on Instagram so I can see your creations!

Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces uncooked fettuccine (if making Fettuccine Alfredo), see note
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces cream cheese (I used 1/2 block of Philly) softened
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
- 2 large cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Take the cream cheese out of the fridge to soften up at least 30 minutes (or longer) prior to starting the recipe, or microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Grate the parmesan.
- If making Fettuccine Alfredo: Boil a salted pot of water for the fettuccine. Cook it al dente according to package instructions. Prep ingredients as you're waiting for the water to boil. I start actually cooking the sauce when the pasta is boiling. Once the pasta is done, I toss it with the sauce right in the skillet (I also add a splash of the hot pasta water), and I serve it with extra parmesan grated over top and a little chopped fresh parsley.
- Add the butter, cream cheese, cream, and garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the pan has heated up, use your spoon to help the cream cheese melt into the sauce. This will take a couple of minutes.
- Once the cream cheese has been incorporated into the sauce, let it gently bubble for 3-4 minutes or until the sauce has reduced a bit. Stir occasionally.
- Stir the parmesan into the sauce, and let it melt in (about 30 seconds), then take it off the heat. The sauce should be thick enough by now, but if you want to reduce it more, let it cook for a bit longer. Keep in mind the sauce will thicken more as it cools/sits. If at any point the sauce gets too thick, add another tablespoon or two of cream OR if you're making pasta with it, the hot pasta water. Give it a taste and season with salt & pepper as needed.
Notes
- Note on serving size: This makes about 1.5 cups sauce. Serves 6+ if you don't mix it with pasta (e.g. you just use it as a sauce over chicken/fish/veggies). With the suggested 12 oz. of pasta it serves 4 people. Double the recipe if you want to fill a large jar and use it for multiple meals.
- Pasta quantity: If you want to use an entire 1 pound (16 ounce) box of pasta, that's fine, but there won't be quite as much sauce as some people like (I suggest doubling the recipe). Make 8 ounces (1/2 pound) if you want lots of sauce. 12 ounces (3/4 of a box) is a good middle ground!
- Alfredo sauce can separate if it's heated too hot/for too much time, so be mindful of that.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. For this recipe the nutrition info is just for the sauce.
Yesina says
After cooking and we all ate. Came back for seconds and the pasta sauce was seperated and oily noodles. I made it the exact way as it says. Any ideas of what happend?
Natasha says
Hi! Separation can happen with creamy sauces sometimes, unfortunately. Did you reheat it on too high of a heat by chance?
Kara says
This recipe is so quick, amazing, and easy!! Not only is it a favorite of my family’s, but I have friends and co-workers that love it too!! I get cheered at when I make this for dinner!!! It is so delicious!!!
Natasha says
That's amazing!! 😀 Thank you!
Jan Agardy says
I usually never try any other recipe but the one I have always used but I have tried other recipes of yours & they have always been very tasty so I decided to try this. It was excellent with a little bit more body to it then mine so another one of yours that I will stick with. Except I did put a sprinkle of nutmeg in it from my recipe.
Natasha says
I'm thrilled to hear you gave it a try and enjoyed it, Jan!! 🙂
Lisa C. says
Thank you so much for this recipe! I have always wanted a homemade Alfredo sauce recipe that was easy. This was amazing! I used it to make Baked Fettuccine because my family loves Baked Spaghetti. I couldn't find a recipe online so I decided to make my own dish but wanted to make my own sauce too. That's where you came in! Delicious! Thanks so much!
Natasha says
I'm thrilled to hear it was a hit, Lisa!! Thank you for your review! 🙂
Maria Chavez says
Made this recipe today and it was a hit and was enjoyed. Served it with breaded chicken on top and side of Cesar salad. Delicious 😘. Thank you
Natasha says
You're very welcome!!! 😀 Thanks for your review!
Patsy says
Great recipe. Easy to make and was delicious.
What would be the best way to reheat the sauce for leftovers?
Natasha says
Thank you so much! 🙂 Slowly over a low heat. There's tips in the "leftovers and storage" section of the post.
Lottie says
Just made this and it was perfect. A quick dinner that my whole family loved. Thank you.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! 🙂
autumn says
Can I make this ahead of time for a party? 2 days would be preffered. Can I heat in a crockpot on warm for serving? Should I mix with noodles and then rehead? Thanks
Natasha says
Hi! Yes, in the post I do mention that it'll keep for 3-4 days in the fridge, so that should be fine, and to reheat slowly over a low heat, so the crockpot should be ok, but I wouldn't leave it for too long as these type of sauces can separate. I'd boil the noodles fresh just prior to serving if possible.
Theresa says
Amazing recipe!! My family loved it! This will be my go to meal on a busy night.
Natasha says
Fantastic!! Thanks so much for your review!
Barb says
This sauce is amazing! I absolutely love it. It's easy and I always have the ingredients in the house. It's definitely company worthy. Thank you so much for sharing!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you like it, Barb!! 🙂
Deb says
Can you make without cream cheese? What can I sub for that we do not like cream cheese.
Natasha says
Hi Deb! I spent a lot of time testing this recipe with the measurements as described, so I am reluctant to suggest something different since it would be purely guessing, and I don't want you to have to waste ingredients. The cream cheese is an integral part of this particular recipe. With that said, you could try this recipe that's very similar and doesn't use cream cheese: https://bit.ly/2SpJgHw
Cydney Formentera says
Super yummy, easy, and quick but anytime I put Parmesan cheese, the sauce gets gritty! Does that mean I cooked it too long??
Natasha says
I’m so glad you like it! ♥️ Do you grate the Parmesan yourself like I recommend in the blog post? It makes a huge difference. I’ve never had it go gritty myself. Also stir it in right at the end. It shouldn’t be cooked much after you stir it in. I do that as the very last step.
Amanda says
Could I use half&half instead of heavy cream??
Natasha says
I don't recommend it. I talk about this in the blog post. Sub at your own discretion. I'd hate for it to go wrong for you.
Jessica says
Goodness this alfredo sauce is delicious... it is so rich and creamy and would go well with just about anything! I'm not a huge cream cheese fan but, because I've tried many of Natasha's recipes that turned out delicious, I decided to trust her expertise. I'm glad I did because it really does give the sauce just the right kick. I'm not very experienced in the kitchen so I was happy that the steps for the recipe were so detailed and it really wasn't hard to make at all. You will never buy jarred alfredo again!! I did attempt to reheat this the next day and the sauce broke, which I expected - it still tasted delicious, though.
Natasha says
Yay!! So happy to hear that, Jessica! 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to review this recipe.
Noyan Aktug says
So easy and so delicious. Relative to the purists perhaps turning up their noses at the use of cream cheese, that's ok. More for us!
Natasha says
Agreed! Thanks so much! 🙂
Meridith says
It’s amazing easy recipe thank you💕
Natasha says
You're very welcome! 🙂
Ali says
Thank you for the cheese grater link! I’ve been looking to upgrade and I’m going to try this one 😉 recipe’s you provide are always amazing! Thank you again!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! Enjoy! 🙂
Isaiah E. says
The Isaiah Empire fully endorses this recipe. I’d had been trying to figure out scratch alfredo sauce for years. Natasha nailed it here!
Natasha says
Excellent! Thank you 🙂
Crystal Bailey says
Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe. It was a major hit with the whole family. Trust me, that is saying a lot with six different personal in one house. We will definitely be making this again soon.
Natasha says
Wow, I'm impressed!! That's great! 🙂 Thanks so much for letting me know. So happy you guys all liked it.
Suzy wasson says
Can’t wait to try this..like all your other recipes...is there any way to file the ones we love on your blog?
Natasha says
Wonderful! Thank you. Unfortunately there's no way to login/do that type of thing (I would have to do an expensive custom site re-design which I don't have plans for at the moment). I guess just old fashioned bookmarking/printing the recipe out. Sorry! I'd love to add that functionality eventually, though.
BTP says
Cream cheese is definitely the answer to a foolproof Alfredo sauce. Years ago, I tried making it the traditional way with just butter, cream and parmesan and got a separated mess. Now, without cream cheese, I wouldn’t attempt it.
Natasha says
Yes... it's definitely a handy trick and makes it a lot easier to handle for sure! Thanks!