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Craving a creamy, rich Alfredo Sauce but don’t want to make a huge batch? This single serving Alfredo sauce recipe is your answer. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for those nights when you’re cooking just for you.
This adaptable Alfredo sauce recipe enhances a variety of dishes with its creamy and sumptuous texture. It’s perfect for a single serving of Fettuccine Alfredo, adding a rich and velvety touch to the pasta. When paired with Chicken Alfredo, it brings a luxurious and satisfying flavor to the dish. Additionally, this sauce serves as an exquisite and creamy topping for numerous other meals like Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Baked Chicken Tenders, elevating them with its delightful taste.
Why You’ll Love This Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes about 15 minutes from start to finish.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and butter creates a deeply satisfying taste.
- Low Carb: A great option for those watching their carb intake.
- Doubles Well: Need more than one serving? This recipe scales up effortlessly.
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What Is Alfredo Sauce?
Alfredo sauce is a creamy, rich sauce made primarily from butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a staple in Italian-American cuisine and is often served over pasta, particularly fettuccine.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream to ensure a rich, velvety sauce. The high fat content minimizes the risk of curdling. Substitutes like whole milk or half & half will result in a thinner, less creamy texture. Stick to heavy cream for the best results. If you have leftover cream from this recipe, consider using it in a mug of rich Hot Chocolate, Crustless Spinach Quiche, Apple Scones, and Tuscan Chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is your best bet for a vibrant, authentic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled lemon juice can work, but fresh is always better. Use extra lemon juice to make a small batch of Lemon Bars.
- Butter: Salted butter is the go-to for this recipe. It adds an extra layer of flavor, making the sauce even more delectable.
- Parmesan Cheese: For a sauce that’s rich and full-bodied, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts seamlessly into the sauce, providing a nutty and savory depth. Pre-packaged or jarred Parmesan can be used, but may not offer the same smooth melt.
- Ground Nutmeg: A pinch of ground nutmeg enhances the sauce with a subtle sweetness and aromatic complexity. It’s the secret ingredient that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Salt (Optional): While Parmesan cheese already adds a salty kick, you may want to adjust the seasoning after tasting. However, many find the existing salt level from the Parmesan to be just right for a flavorful sauce.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
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Recipe Variations
Looking to add a twist to your classic Alfredo sauce? These variations offer a new take on the traditional recipe, making each meal a unique experience:
- Pesto Alfredo: Blend in a spoonful of homemade or store-bought pesto for an herby infusion.
- Spicy Alfredo: Craving some heat? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper will give your Alfredo sauce a spicy kick that tingles the taste buds.
- Mushroom Alfredo: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms like cremini or shiitake for an earthy undertone. The mushrooms not only add flavor but also provide a meaty texture.
- Seafood Alfredo: Elevate your Alfredo sauce by adding cooked shrimp or scallops. The sweetness of the seafood pairs wonderfully with the richness of the sauce.
- Smoked Gouda Alfredo: Swap out the Parmesan for smoked gouda to create a smoky, rich Alfredo sauce. This variation adds a unique, gourmet touch to your dish.
How To Make Alfredo Sauce
- Stir the cream and the lemon juice in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat to blend. Add the butter and stir gently until the butter melts. After the butter has melted, lower the heat to medium-low and whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, and continue to stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened even more, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and toss with cooked pasta or add to cooked chicken or shrimp.
Pro Tip: The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits. Taste and add 1/8 teaspoon of salt if necessary.
Expert Tips
- Calorie Reduction: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half to cut down on calories. Keep in mind that this will result in a less creamy and thinner sauce, but it’s a good option for those watching their caloric intake.
- Consistent Stirring: Ensure you’re continuously stirring the sauce to prevent it from sticking or burning. Pay special attention to the bottom and sides of the pan for a smooth, lump-free Alfredo.
- Pan Size Matters: For optimal results with this single serving recipe, use a 1-quart saucepan. The right-sized pan helps in achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Versatile Use: This Alfredo sauce isn’t just for pasta; it’s a versatile addition to cooked chicken, shrimp, or even as a base for Alfredo pizza. Get creative with how you use it!
- Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is the classic choice, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, or gouda. Each brings its own unique flavor profile to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Craving more than just pasta with Alfredo sauce? Elevate your dining experience with these complementary additions that bring out the best in your creamy Alfredo:
- Baked Chicken Caprese: A succulent piece of baked chicken breast adds a protein punch and a different texture to your Alfredo dish.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Vegetables like green beans add color, nutrition, and a delightful crunch. The sautéing process enhances the flavors, making them a perfect match for the rich Alfredo sauce.
- French Bread: For those who aren’t counting carbs, a slice of warm, crusty bread serves as the perfect side to soak up any leftover sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
While both are creamy, white sauces made from dairy, they differ in their base and thickening agents. Bechamel is a French sauce that starts with a roux of butter and flour. Alfredo sauce, on the other hand, relies on the reduction of heavy cream and the addition of Parmesan cheese for its thickness.
Yes! If you’d like to make Alfredo sauce for two or to just have a little extra sauce, just double the ingredient amounts in this recipe.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To achieve a thick Alfredo sauce, simmer it on medium-low heat until it reduces to about one-third of its original volume. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. The evaporation of water from the heavy cream concentrates the dairy solids, naturally thickening the sauce. Adding grated Parmesan cheese will also help in thickening.
Explore More Small Batch Sauce Recipes
Looking for more sauce options? Check out these other small batch sauce recipes that are just as easy to whip up and perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your meals:
Each of these sauces can be made in small batches, making them perfect for single servings or small family 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:
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If you’ve tried this 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
Equipment
- balloon whisk or spoon
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Optional: salt, to taste
- Optional: cooked pasta
Instructions
- Stir the cream and the lemon juice in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat to blend. Add the butter and stir gently until the butter melts. After the butter has melted, lower the heat to medium-low and whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg, and continue to stir or whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened even more, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and toss with cooked pasta or add to cooked chicken or shrimp.Pro Tip: The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits. Taste and add ⅛ teaspoon of salt if necessary.
Video
Notes
- To reduce the calories in alfredo sauce, you can use half and half for the heavy cream. Although the sauce will be much thinner, the calories will be reduced.
- Make sure to continuously stir the sauce, and scrape the bottom and side of the pan.
- For this single serving recipe, I use a 1-quart saucepan. For best results, please use a pan of similar size.
- Use this alfredo sauce in a variety of different ways. In addition to eating it tossed with pasta, consider also adding the sauce to cooked chicken, shrimp, or on an alfredo pizza.
- Don’t limit yourself to just using Parmesan cheese for this Alfredo sauce recipe. You can use just about any cheese you like; cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, or gouda are all great additions.
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