Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the tomato paste and whisk until well combined with the butter and garlic.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.
Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for sautéing and low heat for simmering.
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 2 cups of sauce, which is enough to serve 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
Per serving (1/4 cup):
Calories: 250
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 87mg
Sodium: 350mg
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but adjust the salt accordingly.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the sauce for a protein boost.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano for extra flavor.
- Use sun-dried tomato paste instead of regular tomato paste for a more intense tomato flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Whisk the sauce continuously while adding the heavy cream to prevent lumps from forming.
- Let the sauce simmer over low heat to thicken and develop flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the sauce over your favorite pasta and garnish with chopped fresh herbs and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or oregano, and additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
This sauce pairs well with any type of pasta, but especially with fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken.
Food Safety Advice:
- Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
- Reheat leftover sauce to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming.
Food History:
Alfredo sauce was invented in Rome in the early 20th century by restaurateur Alfredo di Lelio. The original recipe consisted of butter, Parmesan cheese, and pasta water, but over time, variations with cream and other ingredients were developed.
Flavor Profiles:
Creamy, tangy, and savory.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the sauce hot over your favorite pasta for a delicious and comforting meal.
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Region: Italian