Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce Only Better

4 servings
20 min

I love pasta and I have an easy homemade alfredo sauce recipe. However, I like to play around with this creamy white sauce by adding extra flavor.

These ideas work with both homemade alfredo sauce and also a jar of alfredo sauce found in grocery stores.

Easy homemade Alfredo Sauce over pasta in a bowl with chicken for serving

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What Ingredients are in Alfredo Sauce

A basic alfredo sauce recipe consists of butter, heavy cream, and fresh garlic. To that, you typically add parmesan cheese.

I’ve also seen recipes that add cream cheese to the recipe to make it a really creamy sauce.

What can I add to my Alfredo Sauce to make it Better?

Adding some simple ingredients to the basic recipes is a great way to add extra flavor and richness to the sauce.


Spices

  • Salt
  • Black Pepper or White Pepper
  • More fresh Garlic or Garlic Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Fresh Herbs
  • Oregano
  • Thyme
  • Rosemary
  • Sage
  • Parsley


Cheeses

  • Cream Cheese – 1/2 cup
  • Sour Cream – 4 oz.
  • Cottage Cheese – 1/2 cup
  • Shredded Pecorino Romano (Romano Cheese)
  • Shredded Asiago
  • Shredded Gouda


Protein

  • Chicken Breast – Bake till done
  • Shrimp – Saute until pink
  • Salmon – Bake until done
  • Ham – Krauks from the Deli (cubed)
  • Sausage – Cooked through


Vegetables

  • Fresh Broccoli – Steamed
  • Peas – Heated
  • Beans – Steamed
  • Mushrooms – Sauteed
  • Spinach – Sauteed until wilted


Actually, the options are endless. You can add pretty much anything that you enjoy to this basic sauce. The beauty of this recipe is that you can add any of these things to the basic recipe without measuring. Just add as much as you want.

The only exception would be the shredded cheeses. Substitute the Parmesan with your favorite variety. You can also combine cheeses to create your own flavor.


Here is a recipe that is similar that is a family favorite in our house. Ham & Pea Linguini


What Kind of Pasta works with Alfredo Sauce

My favorite pasta with alfredo sauce is fettuccine noodles but again, you can use any kind of pasta that you enjoy.

Ravioli or Tortellini that is stuffed with meat or cheeses can also enhance the sauce.

You can also put it over zoodles.


Easy Entertaining Ideas

Some Ideas for Easy Enteraining. Read my Entertain with Ease Series – Start HERE


  • Pasta Bar
  • Make-Your-Own-Pizza
  • Sandwich Bar


  • Taco Bar
  • Dessert Bar
  • Chili Bar

Kitchen Gadget Must-Haves


Make a Pasta Bar

A pasta bar is a relatively simple way to entertain a crowd and give everyone options.

I had a pasta bar when I was feeding a crowd the night before my niece ran in the Chicago Marathon.

This picture is so old (circa 2011) and it’s one of the few that I found in my old kitchen.

A carb load and hearty meal on a budget


Best Way to Create a Pasta Bar (Just my Suggestions)

Three types of Pasta

  • Fettuccine
  • Mostaccioli
  • Ravioli


Three types of sauces – make this easy by using the store-bought version (and spice them up)

  • Creamy Alfredo Sauce
  • Marinara Sauce
  • Pesto Sauce


Three Proteins

  • Chicken
  • Shrimp
  • Sausage


Three Veggies

  • Broccoli
  • Peas
  • Spinach

So whether you are making your own alfredo sauce or buying the store-bought sauce, you can take it to the next level by adding extra seasonings and ingredients.

Peace,

How to Make the Best Beef Bourguignon
table set with bowl of roasted cherry tomato & pesto pasta
pork chops in brine mixture
a bowl with my from scratch cooking gluten free chicken and rice recipe
Marinated chicken and veggies on skewers. Ready for the grill
Favorite Summer Pasta Salad with a yummy tomato topping over cheesy pasta

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Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce Only Better
Recipe details
  • 4  servings
  • Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 10 Minutes Total time: 20 min
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Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 clove of crushed garlic
  • 1-1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the cream and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and cheese, whisking continuously to get a creamy texture. When heated through add parsley and serve over pasta.
Tips
  • Add protein and/or vegetables, if so desired. If you are adding additional spices add with the garlic and cheese.
  • Only use real butter
  • Store left-over in an airtight container
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Comments
  • Marcia Marcia on Oct 14, 2022

    This recipe is great, and if you want a lighten it up just add anywhere from a half a cup to a cup and a half of chicken broth.

  • Barbara Mackrell Barbara Mackrell on Oct 31, 2022

    How much pasta

    • Cory Cory on Nov 01, 2022

      Enough for four servings depending upon the pasta.

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