Preparation of Alfredo Sauce

Alfredo sauce is a rich, creamy white sauce that originated in Italy but became especially popular in American-Italian cuisine. It’s typically served with pasta—most famously fettuccine Alfredo.

---

Origins

• Created by Alfredo di Lelio, a Roman restaurateur, in the early 20th century.

• The original Italian version was just butter and Parmesan, melted together with a bit of pasta water to create a creamy emulsion—no cream!

---

Modern American Alfredo Sauce

In the U.S., Alfredo sauce evolved into a richer, more indulgent version. Common ingredients include:

Typical Ingredients:

• Butter

• Heavy cream

• Garlic (optional but common in American versions)

• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated always works best)

• Salt & pepper

• Sometimes cream cheese, milk, or nutmeg for extra creaminess or flavor

---

How It’s Used

• Most popular with fettuccine (wide, flat pasta that holds the sauce well) and tagliatelle.

• Can also be used in bakes, chicken dishes, or vegetables

---

Texture & Flavour

• Silky, thick, and buttery with a sharp, nutty flavour from the Parmesan

• It coats pasta luxuriously but can be heavy, so it’s often balanced with herbs or lemon zest

Classic Alfredo Sauce Recipe

 Yields: 4 servings

 Prep & Cook Time: 15 minutes

---

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional but common)

• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

---

Equipment Needed:

• Medium saucepan or skillet

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Garlic press (optional)

• Cheese grater

---

Preparation:

1. Melt Butter
   In a saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. If using garlic, add it now and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).

2. Add Cream
   Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking. Heat gently until the mixture is hot but not boiling (about 3–5 minutes).

3. Incorporate Cheese
   Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.

4. Season
   Add salt and black pepper to taste. Simmer gently for another minute, then remove from heat.

5. Serve Immediately
   Toss with hot, drained pasta (like fettuccine) and garnish with parsley if desired.

---

Approximate Nutrition (per serving):

Note: Values vary based on cheese brand and portion size.

Lighter Alfredo Sauce

 Yields: 4 servings

 Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1 cup low-fat milk (2% or skim)

• ½ cup low-fat cream cheese (or Greek yogurt for a tangier version)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: nutmeg or parsley

Preparation:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat.

2. Sauté garlic until fragrant (30 seconds).

3. Stir in flour to make a quick roux; cook for 1 minute.

4. Gradually whisk in milk to avoid lumps.

5. Add cream cheese and whisk until smooth and thickened.

6. Stir in Parmesan until melted.

7. Season and serve over pasta or vegetables.

Why It’s Lighter:

• Uses milk instead of heavy cream

• Lower-fat cheese and cream cheese

• Reduced saturated fat, fewer calories

---

Vegan Alfredo Sauce

 Yields: 4 servings

 Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1½ cups unsweetened almond milk (or oat/soy milk)

• ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked 4+ hours or boiled 10 minutes

• 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Preparation:

1. Blend soaked cashews, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and spices until completely smooth.

2. In a pan, sauté garlic in olive oil for 30 seconds.

3. Pour in cashew mixture and simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened.

4. Adjust seasoning and serve over pasta or steamed veggies.

Why It Works:

• Cashews give creaminess without dairy

• Nutritional yeast adds cheesy, umami flavor

• Entirely plant-based and cholesterol-free