If you’re a fan of creamy pasta dishes but want a light and flavorful sauce, you’ll love this Alfredo recipe without heavy cream.
Table of Contents
Easy Alfredo Sauce With Milk
This recipe replaces the heavy cream with milk and parmesan to create a creaminess. The result is a thinner but still creamy sauce that’s just as delicious as the original.
Traditional Alfredo sauce is made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, resulting in a decadent, luscious sauce. The butter and parmesan cheese provide richness to this alfredo sauce recipe, while the garlic adds depth of flavor.
More Pasta Sauces To Try
Shrimp Alfredo (No Cream Cheese)
Marinara Sauce
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Milk: Whole milk will provide a creamier texture, while lower-fat options like 2% or skim milk will result in a lighter sauce. You can also use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or non-dairy milk alternatives in this sauce.
Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to Alfredo sauce. Use unsalted butter if you want to control the salt content. Replace with clarified butter (ghee), or olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Garlic: Minced or crushed fresh garlic cloves are my preference in all my pasta sauces, but garlic powder or store-bought pre-minced garlic or garlic paste are convenient alternatives.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese provides a rich, salty, savory, and nutty flavor to alfredo sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is best, but the pre-packed versions work too. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano are great substitutions or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.,
How to Make Alfredo Without Heavy Cream: Step by step
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Step 2: Add Milk & Heat Through
Allow the milk and butter mixture to heat gently. You want it to simmer, but do not let it boil. Stir occasionally.
Step 3: Add Parmesan Cheese & Season
Gradually sprinkle in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese while continuing to stir. The cheese will melt into the mixture and thicken the sauce.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be cautious with the salt, as Parmesan cheese is naturally salty.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Once the sauce is smooth and has the right consistency, remove it from the heat. It’s now ready to be served.
Pour the Alfredo sauce over your favorite cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. I love to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables for a more substantial meal with a lot more texture too.
How to store Alfredo Without Heavy Cream
To store leftover Alfredo sauce, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate the sauce, and it should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
By using milk and Parmesan cheese instead of heavy cream, you can create a creamy and flavorful sauce that’s lighter in texture, without losing any flavor. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Simple Alfredo Recipe Without Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the milk to the pan. Slowly whisk in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta or other accompaniments, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
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