Last Updated on July 12, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
Alfredo Sauce is the most popular white sauce in the world, used for everything from pasta dishes to fettuccine alfredo. In fact, it was fettuccine alfredo that started the sauce’s popularity back in 1908. When Italian restaurant owner Alfredo di Lelio was trying to find something that his wife would eat after giving birth, he made her a simple dish of noodles, butter, and cheese. Luckily, it worked, and it became one of the favorite dishes on the menu.
Nowadays, we use Alfredo sauce for just about everything from hamburgers to pizza, grilled chicken to grilled shrimp and of course the classic fettuccine alfredo. With just a few ingredients including butter, cream, garlic, parmesan, salt, black pepper, and a few other items, you can make this homemade sauce to use on whatever you like.
You can also use alfredo in a side dish recipe like a mixed vegetable sauté with grilled asparagus, bell peppers, green beans, and broccoli. All you need is a sauté pan and your favorite veggies. On the lighter side, you can have a kale salad, arugula salad, or any fresh salad with alfredo on top to serve with fettuccine alfredo. Add some toasted pine nuts, fresh pasta, and lemon juice for a light and delicious side dish you can have any time.
Any pasta dish
Whether you are making a classic dish of spaghetti with hamburger and French bread, or ravioli stuffed with spinach and crumbled bacon, Alfredo has a smoky flavor and creamy texture to make anything taste better.
It is slightly salty and garlicky, so it goes great with a separate side dish of garlic bread. The contrasting flavors of anything spicy like cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes are great with alfredo to mellow it out.
If your favorite recipe is fettuccine alfredo, you are not alone because it is the most popular main dish in most Italian restaurants in many cities around the world. But don’t stop there! Make a great recipe even better by adding Alfredo to your spaghetti and meatballs or lasagna with extra parmesan cheese. Many pasta recipes can also be used as side dishes like toasted ravioli with Alfredo on top.
Other Alfredo dishes
Chicken Alfredo is the second most popular Alfredo recipe with grilled chicken strips and a thick layer of Alfredo on top. You can serve it with any side dish like veggies or potatoes. Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, sweet basil, and olive oil is my favorite green salad with no cooking required and it tastes even better with Alfredo. Because sometimes you just do not want to cook.
Other meat dishes
- Ground beef Alfredo with garlic and onions
- Pork tenderloin with Alfredo and spinach
- Grilled tuna Alfredo with asparagus
- Chicken Alfredo sandwiches
- Strip steak with mushroom Alfredo sauce
Other ideas
- Grilled cheese
- Burgers
- Eggs
- Meatloaf
- Dip
- Sandwich spread
Frequently asked questions
Can I use other types of cheese in Alfredo?
It is parmesan that makes your Alfredo so rich but there are different types of cheese you can try. Romano is the most similar to parmesan with its rich and salty flavor and crumbly texture. Swiss is another mild choice that would work well. Gruyere is a sweeter cheese that has a bit of a nutty taste. And asiago is a nice choice for earthy dishes.
How long can I refrigerate Alfredo?
Your homemade Alfredo will stay fresh in a mason jar or another sealed container for about four or five days in the fridge. Make sure you stir it up before using it for the best flavor and texture. It can also be frozen for up to three months, but you need to thaw it overnight in the fridge.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Instead of using cream, there are other ingredients that will do the same job. Sour cream is the most common substitute. Greek yogurt is a terrific choice for less fat and fewer calories. And coconut cream is excellent for those who are allergic to dairy. But it makes your Alfredo sweeter so keep that in mind.
Tips and Tricks
- Alfredo is always good to have handy. It works well in so many dishes or for a dip, sandwich spread, or topping for meat.
- In fact, you can use Alfredo anywhere you would use ranch dressing from salads to burgers.
- Be creative. Try adding your favorite herbs and seasonings such as thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, basil, and parsley.
- You should use freshly shredded or grated parmesan when making Alfredo for the best flavor and texture.
- Spicy food lovers can add some red pepper or cayenne for some heat.
- A pizza topped with onions, crispy bacon, gooey cheese, and cherry tomatoes tastes absolutely delicious with the white sauce in place of pizza sauce.
- Actually, any meal you use red sauce like tomato or marinara for will go well with Alfredo too.
- Cream cheese is optional but makes a thick and creamy sauce.