How to make alfredo sauce without cream ?
This light, creamy, and guilt-free Alfredo sauce is made without heavy cream—but it still delivers all the indulgent flavor and velvety texture you love. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an easy weeknight pasta fix.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water from cooking the pasta
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg optional
- Salt if needed
- 8 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. You’ll need it for the sauce.
Make the Sauce Base
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
- Pour in ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir well.
Add the Cheese
- Lower the heat to medium-low.
- Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Add black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Stir until the sauce becomes creamy. Add more pasta water if needed to loosen it.
Toss with Pasta
- Add the drained pasta to the pan.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
- Taste and add salt if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with extra cheese and parsley.
- Serve with a light salad and garlic bread.
- Pairs beautifully with white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay).
Notes
- Vegan version? Use olive oil instead of butter, dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast, and plant-based milk to adjust the texture.
- Thicker sauce? Let it simmer a bit longer or add more cheese.
- More flavor? Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled chicken.