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Home / How to Make a Alfredo Sauce With Cream Cheese

How to Make a Alfredo Sauce With Cream Cheese

This cream cheese alfredo sauce is smooth, creamy and has the perfect texture and flavor! Simple to whip up and always a family favorite.

Alfredo is one of my all-time favorite pasta dishes. The sauce is to die for and so creamy and delicious. Give me a big bowl of fettuccine alfredo with a warm breadstick and a chopped salad and I am in literal heaven!

bowl of fettuccine alfredo

Favorite Pasta Dish

I don't know about you, but alfredo is my weakness. Whenever we go out for Italian, it's usually what I always end up ordering. Luckily I can make the alfredo sauce easily at home whenever the craving strikes.

This homemade alfredo sauce with cream cheese is such an easy recipe to make. It comes together very quickly and is always a hit with everyone who has tried it. The cream cheese adds a smooth richness to the homemade alfredo.

stirring cream cheese alfredo with a wooden spoon

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Instead of using heavy cream, you could substitute half and half. For a skinnier version, you could use light cream cheese as well. Just add 1-2 teaspoons of flour to help make it thicker.

How to thicken the sauce

One of the main keys to getting the perfect consistency is to make sure to simmer the sauce (this requires some patience!) and whisk often. The alfredo will thicken as it cooks.

You also want to make sure you use the correct amounts of cheese and cream (or substitute of choice). If using milk instead of cream, add a couple of teaspoons of flour to help thicken it up.

How to make cream cheese alfredo

MELT. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the cream cheese and then whisk in the heavy cream and garlic powder. Add Italian seasoning if desired.

SIMMER. Increase heat to medium low. Bring sauce to a simmer, then let simmer for 5 minutes (whisking occasionally).

TOSS. Add in the parmesan and stir. Once melted, toss with hot fettuccine and serve!

pasta fork scooping cream cheese alfredo

Tips for the perfect alfredo sauce

  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese tastes best. Trust me, it does make a difference!
  • While the sauce simmers, make sure to whisk often.
  • Make sure not to use too high of heat. I find that medium-low is perfect. You don't want to burn or curdle the cream.
  • Feel free to add in cooked chicken to make chicken alfredo. You can also add cooked broccoli or peas.
  • Top with more fresh parmesan and parsley before serving.
  • You could easily make this sauce a couple of days in advance, then reheat it over low heat when ready to serve. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

More delicious pasta dishes:

  • Cheesy Baked Ziti
  • Baked Beef Ravioli
  • Creamy Rigatoni
  • Crockpot Italian Chicken
  • Creamy Chicken Pasta

bowl of alfredo with a fork

Easy Homemade Alfredo

This cream cheese alfredo sauce is smooth, creamy and has the perfect texture and flavor! Simple to whip up and always a family favorite.

Prep Time: 5 mins

Cook Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 15 mins

  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (1 pint, could use half and half)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder , more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning , optional
  • salt and pepper , to taste
  • 1/4 -3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese , more to taste
  • 1 pound fettuccine (cooked according to package)

Optional: Grilled chicken, steamed broccoli

    • Melt the butter and cream cheese in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Next whisk in the heavy cream and garlic powder. Season with Italian seasoning if desired.

      whisking milk and butter in pan

    • Increase the heat to medium low heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Stir in parmesan cheese and allow to melt. Add more to taste. The more you add, the thicker it will be. Taste and salt and pepper as needed.

    • Toss with hot fettuccine until coated. Serve while hot. Add fresh parmesan cheese and parsley on top if desired.

    Addition: Feel free to add in cooked chicken and broccoli after the sauce comes together.

    Storage: While this dish is best served the first day, you can store leftovers in a covered container for 2 days. This recipe is easy to cut in half as well if you don't need the full amount.

    Calories: 536 kcal | Carbohydrates: 43 g | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 38 g | Saturated Fat: 23 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10 g | Trans Fat: 1 g | Cholesterol: 166 mg | Sodium: 75 mg | Potassium: 199 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 1354 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 5 mg | Iron: 1 mg

    bowl of homemade alfredo with parmesan cheese on top

    How to Make a Alfredo Sauce With Cream Cheese

    Source: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/easy-homemade-alfredo/