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a pink bowl filled with fettuccine alfredo next to sliced lemons
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4.92 from 50 votes

Alfredo Sauce For One

Rich and creamy Alfredo sauce for one! Made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of nutmeg, this single serving recipe is perfect for pasta, chicken, or shrimp.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Keyword: alfredo sauce, fettuccine alfredo, fettuccine with shrimp, sauce
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

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
  • For serving: cooked pasta, chicken or seafood
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Blend the Base: In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring until well blended. Add the butter and stir gently until it melts completely. Once melted, reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk continuously for about 8 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken.
  • Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce reaches a thicker consistency, about 3 minutes.
  • Finish and Serve: Remove the sauce from the heat. Toss it with cooked pasta, or use it to coat cooked chicken or shrimp for a rich, creamy meal.
    Pro Tip: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Taste and add 1/8 teaspoon of salt, if needed, to enhance the flavor.

Video

Notes

  • Lighter Option: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half to reduce calories. Note that the sauce will be thinner and less creamy, but it’s a good alternative for lighter meals.
  • Stir Constantly: Keep the sauce smooth by stirring consistently, especially along the bottom and edges of the pan to avoid sticking or burning.
  • Use the Right Pan: A 1-quart saucepan is ideal for this single serving recipe, ensuring the sauce cooks evenly and thickens properly.
  • Think Beyond Pasta: This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with cooked chicken, shrimp, or as a base for Alfredo pizza. Let your creativity guide you!
  • Cheese Alternatives: While Parmesan is traditional, feel free to try cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, or gouda for a unique twist on the classic Alfredo flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 966kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 103g | Saturated Fat: 64g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 344mg | Sodium: 1407mg | Potassium: 219mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3681IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 942mg | Iron: 1mg

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