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Enjoy the rich, velvety goodness of homemade Alfredo sauce with this single serving recipe. Made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this creamy sauce is quick to prepare and full of flavor.
Featured Comment
“Love this sauce! Easy, Quick, and tasty.”
– Donna
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes.
- Rich Flavor: Made with cream, Parmesan, and butter for a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Low Carb: A satisfying option for low-carb diets.
- Easily Doubled: Need more? Just double the ingredients.
This Alfredo sauce is one I turn to often, it’s simple, creamy, and full of flavor. It comes together quickly with just a few ingredients and adds richness to pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
It’s the perfect amount for fettuccine Alfredo for one, chicken Alfredo for one or small batch baked chicken tenders.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch Alfredo sauce recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Heavy Cream/Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides the rich, smooth texture Alfredo sauce is known for. The high fat content keeps it from curdling. Whole milk is not recommended and half-and-half will make the sauce thinner and less creamy. Use leftover cream in recipes like single serving hot chocolate, crustless spinach quiche, small batch apple scones, or Tuscan chicken for one.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and the best flavor. Bottled juice can be used, but it won’t taste as fresh. Extra juice? Try it in small batch lemon bars.
- Parmesan Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded.
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Variations
Try these easy ways to change up your sauce:
- Pesto Alfredo: Stir in a tablespoon of pesto for added flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté mushrooms and stir them into the sauce.
- Seafood Alfredo: Toss in baked shrimp or scallops.
- Smoked Gouda Variation: Use smoked gouda instead of Parmesan for a smoky flavor.
How To Make Alfredo Sauce
- Heat the Base: In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, stir together the heavy cream and lemon juice. Add the butter and stir until melted. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk for about 8 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue stirring for about 3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Toss with cooked pasta or use over chicken or shrimp.
Note: The sauce thickens as it cools. Taste and add 1/8 teaspoon of salt if needed.
Expert Tips
- Use the Right Pan: A 1-quart saucepan works best for a single serving and this size helps the sauce cook evenly.
- Stir Constantly: Stir often, especially around the edges and bottom of the pan, to prevent sticking or burning.
- Lighter Option: You can use half-and-half instead of cream, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
- Try Different Cheeses: Parmesan is classic, but cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, or gouda also work well.
RELATED: Comfort Food Recipes For One
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often.
Graininess can happen if the cheese is added too quickly or the heat is too high. Also, using pre-shredded Parmesan can cause this issue, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. Keep the heat low and add the cheese gradually while stirring.
Continue simmering and stirring until it thickens to your liking. It will also thicken more as it cools.
Freezing is not recommended – cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed.
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Meatless Meals
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
RELATED: 40 Easy Recipes For College Students
If you’ve tried this single serving Alfredo sauce recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Alfredo Sauce For One
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- salt , to taste (optional)
Instructions
- In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, stir together the heavy cream and lemon juice. Add the butter and stir until melted. Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk for about 8 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan and nutmeg. Continue stirring for about 3 minutes, until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat. Toss with cooked pasta or use over chicken or shrimp.The sauce thickens as it cools. Taste and add 1/8 teaspoon of salt if needed.
Notes
- Use the Right Pan: A 1-quart saucepan works best for a single serving and this size helps the sauce cook evenly.
- Stir Constantly: Stir often, especially around the edges and bottom of the pan, to prevent sticking or burning.
- Lighter Option: You can use half-and-half instead of cream, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
- Try Different Cheeses: Parmesan is classic, but cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, or gouda also work well.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
EXCELLENT!
Super easy and tastes delicious! I used the lemon juice with no problems! I did however add garlic powder which was the perfect touch for added flavor. I used this as a sauce in pasta and threw in some broccoli. Perfect!
Great recipe.
I used this sauce with fettuccine as a side to a chicken dish and it was the perfect complement. Thanks for sharing.
I tried this recipie. I took out the lemon juice but because it curdled my sauce. It is great without it. The sauce is a bit thin but it is a very tasty sauce and I like the idea of not making a roux.
Yes, the lemon juice did not work for me.I have never seen it in any Alfredo sauce recipes before.
The high-fat heavy cream works with the acid of the lemon juice to set the sauce – essentially, it helps to thicken the sauce. If lemon juice is left out, the sauce will not be as thick.
Hi – love your recipes! One question – can I substitute evaporated milk for heavy cream?
Yes. The sauce won’t be as thick or rich but it will still be absolutely delicious.
I added 1/4 cup each of diced ham and frozen green peas to sauce. little bit of ground pepper. ummmm….delectable…
That sounds wonderful, Kathy. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
I just realized I have no heavy cream on hand. Acceptable substitutes? This is supposed to be go with the husband’s dinner tonight.
Hi Erin,
I’ve only tested this recipe using cream. The cream is what helps make the sauce creamy but half and half will work as a good substitute. You could make a “roux” similar to what we do with our macaroni and cheese recipe (https://onedishkitchen.com/macaroni-cheese-recipe-for-one/) – You do this by melting 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan and whisking in 1 tablespoon of flour. Cook the flour/butter for about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste, then slowly whisk in warmed milk instead of cream. Cook, whisking until the sauce has thickened and there are no lumps. You might have to add a bit more milk if the sauce is too thick. Adjust salt to suit your tastes. Again though, I haven’t tested this particular recipe using anything other than cream.
Thanks for this recipe for one. My husband is not a fan of cheese sauces but I love them so this works out perfectly for just me.
I made this tonight and served the sauce over Zucchini noodles and topped with shrimp. The flavors were excellent and really enhanced the dish. I didn’t have grated Parmesan on hand but did have shredded Parmesan which didn’t melt as well. Next time I will make sure I purchase the grated cheese.
Since my husband and I have different tastes, many times I make separate meals for us. So the smaller portion recipes totally fit the bill. So much easier than trying to reduce a 6 serving recipe. Thank you for doing it for us….
You are most welcome, Sharon. I’m so happy you and your husband are enjoying the recipes.
Joanie
Quick easy and buildable recipe i added some fresh garlic and 1 tablespoon of cream cheese it was amazing thank you 4the recipe loved it. Theres not alot of recipes for small families and or single people so this was great!😋👍🍓🍝🌟
Hi Lisa, thank you so much for letting me know that the recipe worked well for you. You can’t go wrong with fresh garlic – great idea to add it! Hope you find many new recipes to try here.
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Joanie
I just found your site and I’m so excited. I have a question about the calorie count in the Alfredo Sauce for One. The calories are just for the sauce right, it doesn’t include the pasta does it? It would be nice if it did. I wrote down the recipes for the Alfredo Sauce , the Beer Bread and the Banana Bread so far. I think I’m going to get myself a special tablet just for recipes for one.I’m going to be looking at your site a lot. Thanks for the recipies. Hugs, Ginger
Hi Ginger,
Yes, the calorie count is for the sauce and not the pasta. The sauce is made with heavy cream and that’s where the majority of the calories comes from. The sauce is low in carbs, yet higher in calories.
I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipes. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.
Joanie