This post contains helpful notes and tips to help you make the perfect dish. However, if you are in a rush, please use the “Jump to Recipe” link above or the “Jump to” links below to get to the section you want. What is your family favorite food? Do let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you. - Padma I love recipe development and experimenting with spices and flavors. This makes me create many interesting dishes, such as this Indian curry pasta, and to think “why not try it this way, even if it’s not the traditional way!” 😀. This results in delicious recipes such as this dairy free pumpkin bread and this easy alfredo sauce without heavy cream. If you have any questions regarding these ingredients, feel free to ask in the comments section below and I will try my best to answer them for you. The creamy alfredo sauce that we are used to is an American version. It usually contains heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, butter, grated Parmesan cheese and some seasonings like salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Other versions use whole milk and flour or corn starch to thicken the sauce. My easy alfredo sauce recipe is lower in calories than the American version because it has no heavy cream or butter (see the nutrition chart at the end of the recipe card). I use light (single cream) as the base of my homemade alfredo. To make the sauce thick and creamy, I add some cream cheese. I use cheddar instead of Parmesan in my recipe since vegetarian parmesan is hard to find. The sour cream gives the sauce a bit of tanginess that Parmesan would have provided.
gluten-free soy-free nut-free
This sauce can be made vegan and allium free (see section further below on suggestions).
See the recipe card for quantities.
Light cream (also known as single cream): This being a “no heavy cream alfredo sauce”, light cream is the base of the sauce.
Cream cheese: Use full fat cream cheese to make the sauce thick and creamy,
Sour cream: This adds more creaminess and a nice tang to the sauce, enhancing its flavor.
Grated cheese: I choose mild cheddar, but you can use any fast-melting cheese you like.
Garlic: I only add one clove for a subtle flavor. Add more if you prefer a stronger garlic taste.
Seasoning: I use salt, black pepper and nutmeg to keep it simple. You can also add any other seasonings such as oregano and fresh basil leaves.
Any doubts or questions? Feel free to ask via the comments below. I will try my best to answer them for you. - Padma
Lets get started.
Also see the video at the end of the recipe card below.
Step 1: Measure all the ingredients. Peel and smash the garlic.
Step 2: To make the sauce, heat the light cream in a saucepan over low heat. Then add the smashed garlic.
How do you thicken Alfredo sauce without heavy cream? This is the question this next step answers: add sour cream, cream cheese and grated cheese to the warm cream.
Mix well until the cheese dissolves and the sauce gets thick.
Resist the urge to increase the heat, or the sauce will separate. Keep the heat low and keep stirring.
Add the seasonings - salt, black pepper and nutmeg powder - and mix well.
Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
That’s it! You have just made this easy alfredo sauce without heavy cream. Enjoy it!
Look at the section below for ideas on how to use this sauce.
Use low heat all the time. Resist the urge to increase the heat, or the sauce will separate. Keep stirring to prevent the sauce from splitting. Taste the sauce before adding salt. Your cheese might have more salt than mine. Don’t cook the sauce too long. Stop when you see a few bubbles. Bring the cheeses to room temperature before putting them in the pan. This way they will melt and mix faster. You can customise this sauce with different flavors to suits your taste. For instance, you can increase the quantity of black pepper or add red pepper flakes for some extra spice; fresh basil or thyme and extra fresh garlic cloves or garlic powder, if you prefer.
As a pasta sauce with your favorite pasta - fettucine alfredo is my favorite! Mix it with some green beans, potatoes or mixed veggies for a creamy veggie bake. Remember to add some corn starch or plain flour (not gluten free) to the veggies to keep the sauce from splitting, Use it with some zoodles (zucchini noodles) or any grain free noodles for a satisfying grain free meal. Add your favorite protein - chicken (not vegetarian), paneer or tofu for a filling meal. Use this sauce as a base for your homemade pizza. It is a nice alternative to tomato sauce. You can also use this sauce as a dip for bread, crackers, nachos or on your charcuterie board.
Make it vegan: Replace the dairy products with vegan ones and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheese. Make it allium free: Skip the garlic if you don’t like it. Make lemon alfredo: Add some fresh lemon juice and zest. Do this after removing the sauce from the heat, or it will curdle.
Refrigerate it: Let the sauce cool down completely and put it in a fridge-safe, airtight container or jar (glass preferably). It will last for up to 3 days.
Reheat it: To reheat alfredo sauce, pour the sauce to a saucepan and heat it on the lowest setting. Stir it slowly and gently until the sauce is smooth and warm. Don’t microwave this sauce or it will separate and taste bad.
If you have made this simple recipe for Alfredo sauce without heavy cream, please take a moment to leave a comment and a rating below. This will make me super happy and motivate me to create more good content for you! You can also engage with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram xx Padma
Passata tomato sauce: This is a hearty marinara sauce with tomato puree (passata). It’s great for hot pasta or as a base for pizza, and it takes less than 25 minutes. It lasts for up to a week. The ultimate pesto without cheese: This plant based pesto has fresh basil, nuts, and garlic. It is full of flavors and has a nice spicy kick! Tomato yogurt sauce: This is a raitha (dip) that also works as a sauce! I like to mix it with some rice noodles for a gluten free meal. Yum! Philadelphia cream cheese tomato pasta sauce: This is one of the easiest sauces I know! It is just my marinara sauce with some full fat cream cheese and extra seasoning. It is very versatile!
📖 Recipe
Disclosure: The nutritional information is calculated using an online calculator and is based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionists’ advice. Changing the quantities and cooking technique will alter the nutritional calculations.
