Description
This creamy and delicious Basil Alfredo Sauce has simple ingredients and is easy to make. It is perfect with your favorite pasta. But you can also serve it over your favorite vegetables, chicken or even as a substitution for any red sauce in pizza. If you love a delicious sauce with a cheesy and silky smooth, creamy consistency, then this recipe is for you!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups half and half
- 2 teaspoons garlic paste (or 3 teaspoons minced garlic, 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg *optional
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
Optional
- 16 ounce box of pasta (I used bowtie)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium-low heat, stirring to keep from burning. Add salt, pepper and garlic. Whisk well.
- Add the half and half, increase to medium heat and stir while bringing to a simmer. It will take about 5 minutes. Continue to stir to avoid the half and half to stick or burn on the bottom of pan.
- Add cheese and whisk to combine on low heat for another 3-4 minutes. Sauce will begin to thicken. For thicker sauce, stir on low heat for another 2 minutes.
- Remove pan from heat and stir in basil and nutmeg. Serve over optional pasta.
Notes
*Never let the sauce come to a full boil; a low simmer is perfect.
*I do prefer freshly grated parmesan. I don't recommend the flavor or texture of pre-shredded cheese.
*Alfredo sauce is not a recipe you can leave to simmer by itself on the stove. It does require some watching to make sure it doesn't curdle or burn. Adjust the heat as needed.
*If it does curdle by chance, remove from stove, whisk to try to bring back the smoothness of the sauce. Try adding a bit of heavy cream or half and half, stirring really well. Taste before serving.
Refrigerate leftovers. The sauce will thicken as it cools. Reheat with some cream over very low heat, stirring well. Use within 2-3 days.
Freezing is not recommended since the sauce will change in texture and not be as creamy and smooth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 201
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 344mg
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 5.4g
- Cholesterol: 53mg