Every family has its culinary legend. In mine, it’s the tale of Aunt Rosie’s famous pasta dishes. There’s something truly magical about gathering around her dining table, eyes wide and mouths watering, awaiting a plate of her spaghetti or penne. But her Alfredo stands out amongst them all. The story goes that during her honeymoon in Italy, she was introduced to this creamy concoction by a local. And ever since, our family dinners have been graced with this mouthwatering sauce.
On a lovely summer evening, as neighbors dropped by for an impromptu get-together, Aunt Rosie, unflustered, whipped up her signature Alfredo pasta. The scent wafted through the windows and, before we knew it, everyone on our street had joined the feast. The creamy Alfredo sauce, with its velvety texture and rich flavor, became the talk of the town.
How to Prepare Easy Alfredo Sauce
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Ingredients for Easy Alfredo Sauce
- Butter: Essential for that rich base. Always opt for real butter, and adjust the salt if using unsalted.
- Cream Cheese: The game-changer. This adds an incredible depth, tanginess, and thickness to the sauce.
- Garlic Essence: A little twist from the conventional garlic powder for a richer garlic touch.
- Full-fat Milk: This ensures a luscious and creamy texture.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: Freshly grated for the best cheesy touch. But if unavailable, Gruyère or mozzarella can do the trick.
- Ground Black Pepper: For that subtle kick and enhanced flavor.
Directions for Easy Alfredo Sauce
- Organize all your ingredients. Prepping makes the cooking process smoother.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium flame. Once melted, integrate the cream cheese and garlic essence, ensuring a seamless blend.
- Pour in the milk gradually, whisking continuously to keep the consistency smooth and devoid of lumps.
- Once the sauce starts thickening, introduce the freshly grated cheese and black pepper. Keep stirring until you achieve a glossy and rich texture.
- Voila! Your Alfredo sauce is ready. Combine with your favorite pasta and enjoy the creamy goodness.
Why use cream cheese in Alfredo sauce?
Cream cheese introduces a pleasant tanginess and thickness to the Alfredo sauce. Moreover, it eliminates the necessity of making a roux, simplifying the cooking process.
Can I use garlic cloves instead of garlic essence?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh garlic, finely mince or press 2-3 cloves and sauté in butter before adding the cream cheese for a more pronounced garlic flavor.
What if I want a thicker Alfredo sauce?
To achieve a denser consistency, prepare a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Incorporate this into the sauce until the desired thickness is reached.
How long can I store this Alfredo sauce?
For best results, refrigerate the sauce in a sealed container and consume within three days. Ensure the sauce doesn’t stay out at room temperature for more than two hours due to its dairy content.
Is freezing the Alfredo sauce possible?
Definitely! If you aren’t planning to use it within a few days, pour the sauce into labeled zip-top bags and freeze. This way, it can last up to three months.
How should I reheat the frozen Alfredo sauce?
Warm it up over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Constant stirring will ensure a smooth consistency.
Easy Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 8 ounce package cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 cups milk
- 6 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Melt butter in a medium, non-stick saucepan over medium heat.
- Add cream cheese and garlic powder, stirring with a wire whisk until smooth.
- Add milk, a little at a time, whisking to smooth out lumps.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and pepper.
- Remove from heat when sauce reaches desired consistency. Sauce will thicken rapidly.
- Thin with milk if cooked too long.
- Toss with hot pasta to serve.
