Grab your favorite gluten-free pasta! This homemade gluten-free alfredo sauce recipe is loaded with parmesan cheese and is ready in under 15 minutes.
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Easy to make, this creamy sauce can be used to make a classic fettuccine alfredo but it is also great as a cream sauce for fish, as a base for cheese sauce, or as a pizza sauce.
Is Alfredo Sauce Gluten-Free?
The real answer is it depends. Sorry, I know that is a tad irritating.
The original versions of alfredo sauce were made from pasta (with a splash of the cooking liquid), butter, and cheese. That's it. Therefore, if you used gluten-free pasta your version would be gluten-free.
However, as the recipe evolved in the US it came to be made from heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and butter. Often restaurants (I am looking at you Olive Garden) will use milk with flour instead of heavy cream making it not gluten-free.
Which is why homemade alfredo is the way to go!
📖Why This Recipe Works
No Cream Cheese- It simply isn't necessary if you use the proper ratios of butter, cream, and cheese. I use cream cheese in so many recipes but I want a very parm heavy flavor in my alfredo.
Flourless- No expensive gluten-free flour or roux is used. Also no cornstarch, yuck. My version is naturally gluten-free and has a velvety texture.
🧾Ingredient Notes
- Butter- If you use salted butter then skip the additional salt. You can test for seasoning at the end.
- Heavy Cream- Use regular heavy whipping cream, not milk or half-and-half. The sauce will be too thin. If you don't have heavy whipping cream you can use a scant cup of milk combined with two ounces of cream cheese but this alters the flavor making the cheese flavor less pronounced.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese- Use fresh ground, not shredded parm and not shelf stable, for the best result.
- Pepper- I use white pepper when I have it on hand because it blends into the sauce better. But black pepper is just as tasty and what I typically use when I make this recipe.
- Nutmeg- Nutmeg is my secret ingredient. It has a slightly peppery flavor that compliments both dairy and eggs. I use it in everything from gluten-free scalloped potatoes to my crustless ham and cheese quiche. Optional but I wouldn't skip it!
💭 Alfredo Sauce Flavors
This buttery sauce can be the backdrop to so many flavor variations.
You can add lemon zest (no juice), roasted garlic, fresh garlic, or blackening season for a Cajun alfredo sauce.
To make a tomato cream sauce combine the alfredo sauce with my delightful San Marzano tomato sauce recipe.
You can make a pesto cream sauce by combining either basil pesto or ramp pesto with the cream sauce. Start with ¼ cup and build from there.
⏲️ How to Make Gluten-Free Alfredo
Melt the butter over low heat, watching closely to avoid browning. Once foamy with white specks (i.e. the milk solids start to rise), it is time to add the cream.
Add the cream to the pan along with the seasonings. If you are adding garlic, add it now.
Simmer for 5 to 6 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. Remove from the heat while you whisk in the cheese.
Gradually add the cheese until it is thick and coats the back of the spoon (see picture above).
Serve with your favorite pasta. Personally, I recommend making homemade gluten-free pasta for this.
Gf Alfredo Sauce Tips
How do I thin alfredo sauce?
To thin alfredo sauce, gradually add small amounts of milk, cream, or pasta cooking water, stirring constantly until you reach the desired consistency.
How do I thicken alfredo sauce?
Simmer it over low heat to reduce and concentrate the sauce, or stir in grated Parmesan cheese gradually until the desired thickness is achieved.
If you're going to make this recipe, make sure to follow this top tip!
More Gluten-Free Recipes
🌡️How Do I Reheat Leftover Alfredo Sauce?
To store leftover alfredo sauce, cool it to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation and ensure even heating. I like to add a splash of milk to help thin it out.
I do not recommend freezing this alfredo sauce recipe.
Did you enjoy making this recipe? Show it some love with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a comment! Hungry for more FLAVORFUL recipes?
📖 Recipe Card
Gluten-Free Alfredo Sauce (Extra Creamy, Flourless)
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter 8 tablespoons
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional
- 1¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese see notes
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over low heat. Until melted and it begins froth (i.e. has white bubbles on top).½ cup unsalted butter
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer and cook on low for 5 to 6 minutes.1 ½ cup heavy cream, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Remove the pan from the heat, gradually add the cheese, and stir until the parmesan is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Salt to taste.1¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Add pasta to the pan and toss to coat or serve as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh ground, not shredded parmesan or shelf-stable parmesan from a can. This will give the sauce a silky smooth texture.
- Substitute white pepper for black pepper if you don't want the black flecks in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick you can thin with a little pasta water.
- Lemon Zest - Make it pasta al limone with the zest of 2 lemons. Do not use the juice.
- Roasted Garlic- Add 2 to 3 cloves of mashed garlic in with the cream to give the sauce a lovely sweetness.
- Minced Garlic- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the butter and saute for 30 seconds before adding the cream.
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