How to make alfredo with cream cheese

Q: Is Alfredo made of cream cheese?

Youre probably already familiar with Alfredo Sauce if youve gotten this far. But just in case youre not, its an Italian sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Its creamy, rich, and delicious!

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

Table of Contents Show

Favorite Pasta Dish
What Can I use Instead of Heavy Cream?
How to Thicken the Sauce
How to Make Cream Cheese Alfredo
Tips for the Perfect Alfredo Sauce
More Delicious Pasta Dishes
Easy Homemade Alfredo
Can I use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for pasta?
Is Alfredo made of cream cheese?
How do I thicken Alfredo sauce with cream cheese?
How do you make Alfredo sauce?

Favorite Pasta Dish

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!

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.

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!

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

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Easy Homemade Alfredo

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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

▢ ½ cup salted butter
▢ ½ teaspoon minced garlic
▢ 3 ounces cream cheese
▢ 2 cups heavy whipping cream (1 pint, could use half and half)
▢ ½ teaspoon garlic powder , more to taste
▢ ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning , optional
▢ salt and pepper , to taste
▢ ¼ -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.
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.

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Can I use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for pasta?

Cream cheese is one of my favorite ingredients to use in place of heavy cream in pasta dishes! It makes such delicious, creamy pasta sauce! Cream cheese is typically made from whole milk and, you guessed it–CREAM, so it works great as an alternative to heavy cream. Use between 4-8oz.

Is Alfredo made of cream cheese?

You're probably already familiar with Alfredo Sauce if you've gotten this far. But just in case you're not, it's an Italian sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. It's creamy, rich, and delicious!

How do I thicken Alfredo sauce with cream cheese?

Cube softened cream cheese and whisk into the Alfredo Sauce into a pot over heat until the cheese is smooth. It can take a little while for the cream cheese to melt and become smooth so be patient.