This easy homemade alfredo sauce is the only recipe for alfredo you'll ever need! It's so creamy, doesn't separate, and is easy to pull together! You can also pair it with SO many different veggies or meats!
This alfredo sauce starts with a roux and I'll explain why I go choose to use a roux in my recipe. It might not be "traditional" but it's there for a reason.
Why use a roux in alfredo sauce:
- No heavy cream! This is already a rich sauce so it makes me feel a little better about myself to use milk instead of cream.
- The sauce will be so creamy and have the perfect thickness to it for coating the noodles and not being runny.
- The sauce won't separate. We've all had the alfredo sauce that separates into a greasy mess and nobody likes it.
- You can store and re-heat this sauce. Traditional alfredo sauce breaks when reheated but this one makes great leftovers.
How to make easy homemade alfredo sauce:
Heat a pan over medium heat, melt your butter then add in the garlic.
Once you've warmed the garlic just until you start to smell it (about 1 minute), You can whisk in the flour. This is the "making the roux" part of this easy homemade alfredo sauce.
I actually love making sauces that start with a roux. I feel like it seems so fancy but it's actually so easy and makes amazing sauces!
Once you've cooked the flour/butter for about 2 minutes, you can start adding in the warmed milk (see recipe below), ½ cup at a time.
Below shows you the stages that the roux/milk will go through after each addition. Be sure to whisk until smooth after each ½ cup.
Once you've slowly added in all of the milk, you can add the cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir everything together and you're done!
How to reheat alfredo sauce:
- Place the alfredo sauce in a microwave safe dish
- Microwave for 30 second intervals stirring in between each 30 seconds
- If the sauce is thicker than you'd like, you can add a little bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency
Since you can store and reheat this alfredo sauce, it makes for great weeknight meals. Our favorite things to top the alfredo pasta are this easy grilled shrimp and this marinated grilled chicken!
Easy Homemade Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 large garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ cup all purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 2 cups freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon each salt, and pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- If you are making the alfredo sauce with pasta, you can go ahead and set your water to boil before you start. The sauce comes together quickly. (Don't forget to salt the pasta water!)
Making the Alfredo Sauce
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add in the minced garlic cloves and cook for just 1 minute.
- Once you've warmed the garlic, you can add in the flour. Use a whisk to combine the flour and the butter. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and just slightly darker than when you started.
- Next, warm the milk (you can do this while the flour is cooking). I just pour the milk into a microwave safe measuring cup and heat for 1 minute. It doesn't need to be hot but just warmed.
- Add in ½ cup of the milk and whisk into the flour mixture until a dough forms. Keep adding milk ½ cup at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth.
- Once you've added all of the milk, whisk continually until bubbly and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Turn off the heat and add in your parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Whisk together until smooth and serve over pasta immediately.
Notes
Colleen says
I usually make alfredo in the traditional way, without milk or cream. But this one looks super creamy and I think kids would love this! Thanks for sharing.
Coco and Ash says
Yes! The traditional way is always great too! I hope you get to give this one a try!
Caitlin says
Wow, I just made it! My parents & I absolutely loved it! The first time I tried it, I accidentally burnt the butter and the garlic, so be sure to keep checking! It was amazing! Thank!
Coco and Ash says
Great to hear! Thank you!
Emma says
I don’t usually leave a review but for this I had to its was super quick and easy, cant forget its super yummy. Im actually having some right now!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you so much for the feedback! 🙂
Julia says
I just googled “Alfredo sauce with milk” since I had milk and no heavy cream on hand. This recipe popped up with amazing reviews, so I gave it a try! I cut all the ingredients in half since I live alone and don’t need 6 servings (lol). I added some shrimp that I wanted to use up, and a few dashes of red chili powder to give it a kick! Otherwise followed the directions to a T, and this recipe was foolproof!!! Sooo fricking yummy and surprisingly thick!! I’ll make this recipe again and again!! Thank you!)
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!!
Katie says
Would it work to freeze the sauce?
Coco and Ash says
I would not freeze this one. Sorry
TillyEats says
I want this sauce on everything!!
Coco and Ash says
haha thank you!
Laurie Merian says
This was so easy to make and delicious!
Could I freeze this sauce?
Cristie | Little Big H says
I love how simple this is. I've never made alfredo at home. Can't wait to give it a try.
Coco and Ash says
It's so easy and definitely worth a try!
Tobi says
This was great. I made a few changes like adding a little more milk, salt and pepper, and a little more flour for the roux, but this was delicious. It was really good with shrimp. Next time I'll add a bit more parmesan cheese.
Valentina says
This Alfredo sauce looks so rich and creamy -- such developed flavors in such a short time. And it's making me very hunger!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you Valentina!
Brian Jones says
Roux based sauces are always genius, they are so robust, make em in advance and set em aside to come back later! Love the sound of this one, I must give it a try.
Coco and Ash says
I agree! Thanks so much!
Natalie says
I love alfredo sauce! It's definitely one of my top favorite pasta sauces - creamy, delicious and comforting ♥
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!! Same here!
Catalina says
My son loves shrimp and Alfredo sauce over pasta. This recipe seems really good and easy to prepare. I think I’ll give it a try. Will this recipe work with half and half, and can this sauce be frozen? Thank you for the recipe.
Coco and Ash says
Hi Catalina, I haven't tried it with half and half but that would make a very thick sauce. And yes! You can freeze this for a month. Just thaw it in the fridge over night before you use it, then follow the re-heating instructions in the recipe. It will thin out as you heat it and you can add a little more milk or water to thin it out if needed. Hope you enjoy!
priyanka says
Wow.. nice tips
Thanks for sharing
Coco and Ash says
Thank YOU!
Ellen says
I uae to be so afaid of making alfredo sauce you have explained the process so easily and I want to thank you.
Coco and Ash says
Yay!! Thanks for letting me know!
Carl says
Wow added a little extra milk it was really thick but wow
Carmen says
Oh My God first time making my own Alfredo, I always got store bought ones and Jesus it is amazing so creamy and tasty. It’s heaven 🙌🏻 Love it I I’ll be making it way more screw tomato sauce I am in for this Alfredo sauce . My toddler loves pasta and cheese so win win for me 🥰
Coco and Ash says
Yay!! I'm so glad you liked it!! 🙂 I'm all about saving time but store-bought alfredo just doesn't cut it!
Nora says
Really good recipe! I love that it uses simple ingredients. I added bacon to half of the sauce for one child and shrimp to the other half for my other child and both were fantastic. Thank you for sharing!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you Nora!!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!!
Coco and Ash says
Yay! Thank you!
Taylor says
This recipe is delicious and easy to make! Loved it! Thanks for sharing
Sas says
Can you use 2% milk instead of whole? Thinking diabetic
Coco and Ash says
Yes totally!
Emily says
Very very good! Never have made Alfredo sauce before.
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!
Pranav Veenam says
Wonderful recipe. Yeilded a very delicious and finger licking Alfredo sauce.
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!!
Sheetal says
Hey there! I wanted to check which Parmesan cheese do you use? I have tried a few parmesan cheeses and the sauce separates immideately.
I am not sure if its the cheese or that I kept the heat on when stirring in the cheese. Please let me know the exact brand of cheese you use. Thanks
Coco and Ash says
Hi there! It has to be a fresh ON THE BLOCK parmesan cheese. Not pre-grated or shredded.
Sarah says
My son loves Fettuccine Alfredo and I have tried so many recipes searching for the best tasting one AND one that does not separate! PRAISE THE LORD! This one checks both boxes in a big way!! The only thing I added was some nutmeg because I love the flavor it adds. Way to go Coco & Ash! I can't wait to try more of your recipes. My son thanks you too!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you Sarah!! So glad you and your son enjoyed this!
Kylee says
Wow! Broke 20 year old engineering student here who can’t cook at all, I had all of these ingredients and was craving some Alfredo sauce. All I had was shredded pre bagged Parmesan and margarine and was nervous about substituting it but it turned out amazing! This is truly an amazing recipe. Total game changer:)
Rebacca says
Will try this recipe for sure; I have been looking for ways to make Alfredo Sauce that do not separate. I usually make traditional Alfredo Sauce for kids' school lunch in a Thermos. Kids always comments my traditional Alfredo pasta is oily (because of the separation) and all butter went to the bottom of the thermos.
Coco and Ash says
This will definitely not separate 🙂
Kimberly says
I was wondering if it's still the same with almond milk because that is all I have got.
Coco and Ash says
I have never tried it with almond milk. I don’t think it would be the same. Sorry.
Kylee says
Wow! Broke 20 year old engineering student here who can’t cook at all, I had all of these ingredients and was craving some Alfredo sauce. All I had was shredded pre bagged Parmesan and margarine and was nervous about substituting it but it turned out amazing! This is truly an amazing recipe. Total game changer:) I think it would be even better with the fresh Parmesan! Have to try that soon
Gilbert Pang says
I love Alfredo sauce. I’ve tried many - some store, and some with recipe. This one is the keeper. I will look no further. Obviously, if any of the others were the keeper, then i wouldn’t have been looking and found this one. The bonus here is I usually have all of the ingredients in the kitchen. I have to admit that I did use pre-grated Parmesan. It was still smooth, dreamy creamy, aromatic, and can’t put your fork down yummy. I’ll end with this... I didn’t have to worry reheating it.
Coco and Ash says
I'm so glad you liked it Gilbert!!
Fatimah Docrat says
Hi! Exactly the recipe I was looking for! Can I substitute Parmesan with White Cheddar?
Coco and Ash says
You can try it! It’ll be thicker so you might need a little more milk but it would be a yummy cheese sauce 🙂
anna says
can you replace the whole milk with almond milk?
Coco and Ash says
I haven't tried that so I can't say. Sorry!
gemi says
I made this with lactose free milk, and it was super fantastic! Thanks so much!
Coco and Ash says
So happy you could make it work for you! Thank you!
Nathan says
In the past I have made alfredo sauce with cream and used the pre-grated cheese and it always came out smooth (though that was also with the heat on while whisking it in). When you say the pre-grated will not work, is that solely because you stir it in after heating or have you tried pre-shredded while heating?
Coco and Ash says
Hi Nathan! A lot of the pre-grated cheeses contain anti-caking agents. (like a powder coating to help the shreds not stick to each other). They can throw off the texture of the sauce. If you find a great quality shred, you can definitely try it, I just try to avoid that 🙂
Jimmy says
My kid love the taste from milk. So ideal for them!
larissa peynado says
Can i use mozzarella instead of Parmigiano?
Coco and Ash says
I would not recommend that for alfredo. It would be a completely different taste and texture.
Chelsea says
That's amazing information. I have to try it tonight for my family. Thanks for sharing and love your site
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!!
Kelly says
How easy to follow! I did try it, So great I must say. Thank you much for sharing Coco!
Coco and Ash says
Thank YOU!!
Min says
The cream sauce is really tasty and it is so easy to make. My family are so impressed! Thank you so much!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!!
Karens says
I tried your Alfredo Sauce recipe. I didn’t have anything in the fridge for dinner last night. But I did have Cream, Cheese, and Cooked Chicken so I thought I would give this a try. I didn’t add salt but I did add some nutmeg. I added the cooked chicken during the last few minutes of cooking and served it over fusilli pasta. It was delicious! Thank you for such a nice recipe.
Rachel says
Easy and delicious. I highly recommend this recipe to anyone. Thank you for that!
Coco and Ash says
Thank YOU!
Bailey says
We ended up adding more cheese than the recipe called for and it came out as more of a soup... A tasty soup! But a soup nonetheless.
Jess says
WOW!!!!! That was fantastic. I blended the parmesan in my vita mix and it melted perfectly. Best recipe without cream. This will be my to go to for alfredo from now on.
Thank you Mindy!
Anu says
Fabulous recipe - will be my go-to for Alfredo sauce. I also added a teaspoon of lemon and orange zest which brought a kick of fresh citrusy flavors.
Jacqueline Golden says
This was so good! Usually when I make Alfredo sauce, it turns out watery. This was sooo creamy! From now on this is my recipe I will always use.
Bekhzod Abdurazzakov says
The recipe looks so good! Do you happen to have any tips about how much pasta to add?
Coco and Ash says
I use 16 ounces 🙂 thanks!
Patricia says
Can you tell me how much sauce this makes? A cup? A cup and a half? Thank you so much.
Laurel A Schoenrank says
Well, it has 3 cups of milk and two cups of cheese. Admittedly, the cheese is mostly air. But it's going to make at least three cups of sauce.
Andrea Spurlock says
This was different than any other alfredo sauce I have ever made but when I tasted it at the end, it was like Heaven in your mouth! I will definitely keep this in my recipes for future dishes! I added Rao's italian linguine noodles and chucks of roasted chicken in with fresh italian parsley on top! It turned out So amazing! Thank you for this divine encounter!!
Coco and Ash says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Anna says
Hi,
I was wondering if I could use another type of cheese because I dont have parmesan. I have provolone instead?
Thank you! Can't wait to try it!
Coco and Ash says
Hi Anna, it definitely won’t taste like Alfredo. It will just be a provolone cheese sauce. And you’ll have to adjust the salt as well. I’ve never tried it so I can’t say how it will turn out. Best of luck!
Michele L Johnson says
Amazing and amazingly easy, thank you!
Dani says
I made this with the ingredients I had on hand (2% milk and pre-shredded parmesan) and it turned out perfectly! It's going straight into my recipe box!
HomeCook29 says
Same with me.
Coco and Ash says
Awesome!! You can always stir in a little extra milk at the end to thin it out if you’d like.
Cheyanne says
I tried this tonight with half the amount of corn starch instead of flour, and it turned out so creamy and savory. It was so much lighter than the simple heavy cream, butter and parmesan recipe, and was so easy to manipulate the thickness. Definitely boyfriend approved, without the greasy alfredo stomachache afterwards!
Cheyanne says
I tried this tonight with half the amount of corn starch instead of flour, and substituted one third of the milk with heavy cream, and it turned out so creamy and savory. I did adjust a little salt, and added red pepper flakes, as I would usually do with my own recipe. It was so much lighter than the simple heavy cream, butter and parmesan recipe, and was so easy to manipulate the thickness. Definitely boyfriend approved, without the greasy alfredo stomachache afterwards!
Coco and Ash says
You can always add just a touch more milk and stir it in 🙂 thank you!
D. Davidson says
Thank you! Thanks to this easy recipe I can flex (just a little) when someone mentions store bought Alfredo sauce (What? I've never thought to do that...I just make it myself...)
And you're right, making a roux feels so fancy. I like to pretend that I am Cordon Bleu trained as I'm whisking. Thank you for sharing!
Coco and Ash says
haha! So glad you enjoyed!
Sierra says
This was my first ever time making alfredo sauce, and it turned out amazing! Your alfredo tastes brilliant thank you 🙏
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!!
Sydbey says
Oh my goodness thank you. I was mortified when I went to the pantry and didn't have a jar of bertolli white sauce, was planning on quick and simple dinner. You saved me for sure with this recipe and I will never by a jar of that stuff again!! I love, love, love you for this recipe and so does my family of 5!
Sydney says
Oh my goodness thank you. I was mortified when I went to the pantry and didn't have a jar of bertolli white sauce, was planning on quick and simple dinner. You saved me for sure with this recipe and I will never by a jar of that stuff again!! I love, love, love you for this recipe and so does my family of 5!
sydney Clayborn says
First time I didn't have enough parm so I added a little Asiago, nearly died laughing when hubs asked if the cheese has gone bad, lol. Second go had plenty of parm to shred off the block and errrr my gerrrrrr was still sooooo good!
Coco and Ash says
That makes me so happy to hear! 🙂
Shawnna Clement says
Love your recipe! As I say, "Roux the day!" because once you start a cream sauce with roux, you'll never go back. Yes, I've made traditional Alfredo, but this sauce stays together when dinner time is extended because of busy schedules.
In addition to your directions, I would like to suggest adding about 1 tsp of sugar, if the sauce is too bitter. I also like serving with broccoli and a few dashes of paprika to represent the Italian flag.
Lizzie says
Absolutely fabulous!
Creamy and delicious and was perfect over raviolis. Approved by all at my house.
My attempt last week with a cream and heavy butter recipe was a congealed mess so thanks for helping me redeem myself at the dinner table 🙃
Coco and Ash says
Thank you!!
KY says
BEST EVER! I am totally new to cooking and this turned out so so well. Loved it. It was a tad too thick for me, so I added in more milk and it was perfect. Thank you so much!
Coco and Ash says
Thank you so much!
Carl says
I'm trying to give it 10 stars will never even try to make a different Alfredo sauce recipe and am so glad it uses what I always have on hand ( many not always parmesan cheese) but I will now have it on hand will be part of my regular meals. Am looking forward to what it is like as leftovers. Am happy to stop looking for a good premade Alfredo,this is so easy and blows away any thing you can get in a jar.
John says
This recipe was great. My family enjoyed it and it was quick and easy.
Kris says
This was fool proof and delicious!! I love that this recipe calls for milk instead of cream which I don't generally have on hand. Thank you so much for upping my sauce game!
Coco and Ash says
Awesome!! 😃😃
Crystal Lynn says
I don't recall that I've ever rated a recipe, but I had to leave a short review on this. I tried making alfredo from scratch with cream & butter, and it was just way too rich for me. This recipe is PERFECT. I've been making it weekly for months now. I always have everything on hand anyway, so it's the perfect last minute dinner. Fantastic flavorful alternative to canned sauce. I add Peas and broccoli for veggies & parsley & chives for flavor. If your reading this- don't hesitate to make it! Excellent recipe!
Emberlea says
Thank you for the recipe. I am making dinner for my fam. And wanted to make Alfredo sauce. And all the recipes said heavy cream till i came upon this. Im so excited to make this. Im 13 btw 😊
Emberlea says
Thank you for the recipe. I am making dinner for my fam. And wanted to make Alfredo sauce. And all the recipes said heavy cream till i came upon this. Im so excited to make this. Im 13 btw 😊
Emberlea says
Thank you for the recipe. I am making pasta and garlic knots tonight. So i decided to make this. So yummy 😋. Tysm. Im 13 btw
Tom K says
I also had googled "Alfredo sauce with milk" because my heavy whipping cream had gone bad. We only had 2% milk, but it worked well. I made a one-third recipe, so roughly eyeballed most ingredients after usint 1 cups of 2% milk. Then I adjusted until it had just the right consistency. Easy to make, tastes great, and agreed about being able to reheat for later. Without it breaking. Thanks!
Briana says
Not sure what I'm doing wrong but it came out extremely runny and too milky in flavor and consistency. Any ideas?
Coco and Ash says
Hi Briana, if it's too runny, the sauce didn't have time to thicken. You have to let the sauce come to a full bubble for at least 5 minutes. That's the only way it will thicken. I hope that helps!
Joyce says
Simple and delicious. I used oat milk and grated cheeese because there's about a foot of snow out there. I would have been more creamy with fresh, but the flavor was spot on.
Marysa says
My daughter loves alfredo, but I am guilty of buying the Knorr packets! I would definitely like to try making her some homemade alfredo.
Izy P says
I just finished making this an love it. I added some cooked clam meat for supper tonight. Thanks so much!
Kristin says
Great recipe, especially so that I can make this for my kids. Sounds delicious and easy to make. I am not a fan of jarred alfredo, and I am guilty of not making homemade sauce. I will definitely be making this for my daughter.
Kristin says
Super easy recipe to make! I will definitely have to try this out for the kids. It is nice to make the homemade version; I am not a fan of jarred alfredo.
github.io games says
This alfredo sauce is amazing! So simple to make and it’s delicious. First alfredo sauce down! Thanks!
Kellie Kearney says
This alfredo sauce looks fantastic! Love that it uses milk instead of cream—so smart for making it rich but a bit lighter. Can’t wait to try it with some grilled shrimp!
Michelle says
I have used this recipe twice now and it has been amazing restaurant quality both times. Very easy , absolutely delicious !
Coco and Ash says
Thank you Michele!! 🥰
Bishnuuu says
This recipe turned out fantastic. Thank you.
Bishnu Lamichhane says
This recipe was great. Thank you.
Amina Maglajlic says
I've made this recipe as is and it's delicious but I've altered it a bit for my family's tastes and to suit my ingredients (we use garlic paste and black pepper but skip the parsley) and it is such an easy go to. I won't lie, I do still keep a jar of alfredo for thos "need to make dinner in 10 minutes" nights but it really does only take roughly 20 and is so worth it. I've used it so many different ways, it's just so delicious I can't help but rave.
Patricia says
Made this with chicken & broccoli. I cooked the chicken pieces in a cast iron pan w/butter & olive oil 1st. Seasoned with salt/pepper & small dash of Italian seasoning. Set aside & followed the directions for the sauce in the same pan. Had frozen broccoli florets that I heated in microwave for 30 seconds. Chopped them up into bite size pieces & heated again for 2 mins. Set aside. After sauce was finished, I gently combined chicken & broccoli. Over fettuccine noodles for the finish. This was amazingly delicious. USE fresh Parmesan cheese block only!
Me says
I made it with mozzarella instead of parmesan and it was really good!
natalie says
The only recipe I use for alfredo sauce. Easy to make and and the whole family loves it.
Namaste Kharel says
Thankyou so much. This recipe so fast and easy. My family Loved it
Randiv says
Very comprehensive and informative! Thank you for sharing this useful content. It's great that you explained everything in detail. Excellent Recipe.
Letty says
I did not have any cream and I tried your recipe. This turned out perfectly -thank you so much!
Lisa Marie Bonsignore says
GREAT recipe, it was easy to make! I have never really attempted to make this and do it well. You have to try it!!!
Lisa Marie Bonsignore says
See above forgot the rating
Everest Base Camp Trek says
Your easy homemade Alfredo sauce recipe looks so creamy and delicious. I love how simple you’ve made it for anyone to enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta at home! Everest Base Camp Trek
Dee says
Thank you, it really helped, I got scared when it was not forming but then it started and it tastes good and its simple to
Jennifer says
This is, by far, the best alfredo recipe I have ever made. Anytime I make alfredo with heavy cream it ends up separating, which is a huge bummer. This has great flavor and is awesome for a quick dinner for the week. It also freezes and reheats really well. Absolutely amazing!