Description
Pioneer Woman Alfredo Sauce is a classic Italian-American sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s known for its rich and creamy texture, which pairs perfectly with pasta, chicken, and vegetables. This sauce is easy to make and incredibly versatile, making it a staple in many kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Pasta of your choice (for serving)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the Cream: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring constantly until the mixture is well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Let the cream mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
- Serve with Pasta: Toss the sauce with your favorite cooked pasta, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of Alfredo sauce means that the quality of each ingredient matters. Use fresh, high-quality butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese for the best results.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamier sauce.
- Watch the Heat: Alfredo sauce can easily break if cooked at too high a temperature. Keep the heat low to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- Stir Constantly: To prevent the sauce from sticking to the pan and to ensure even cooking, stir the sauce continuously while it’s simmering.
- Avoid Over-Thickening: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so aim for a slightly thinner consistency while it’s hot. You can always adjust with a splash of pasta water or cream if it becomes too thick.
- Serve Immediately: Alfredo sauce is best enjoyed fresh. It can seize up and become less creamy if left to sit for too long.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasoning and ingredients to your liking. For example, add more garlic for a punchier flavor or incorporate herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.
- Double the Recipe: This sauce is so delicious that you might want to make extra. Doubling the recipe ensures you have enough for larger gatherings or leftovers.
- Pasta Water Trick: If the sauce is too thick, adding a bit of the pasta cooking water can help thin it out and make it cling better to the pasta. The starch in the water also helps bind the sauce to the pasta.