Name: 5 Minute Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1½ tbsp butter; 2 tbsp flour; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 oz cream cheese; ⅓ cup parmesean cheese, grated; garlic salt & onion powder, to taste

Prepare yourself for the yummiest and easiest alfredo sauce recipe of all time! Plus, there are SO many ways to use it! We're about to share tons of combinations to try, as well as substitutions. Oh, and it costs just pennies to make, so you can say buh-bye to the store-bought stuff!

plate of fettuccini Alfredo, from Shelf Cooking

Don't ask us how, but no matter how much pasta or sauce we make, there always seems to be some sauce leftover. It's just one of life's mysteries, but the good news is that we've become pros at finding ways to use alfredo sauce!

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Whether you need breakfast, lunch, or dinner ideas, we've got a super-easy idea for you! Use up that delicious alfredo sauce by turning it into something brand new.

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WAYS TO MODIFY THIS ALFREDO SAUCE RECIPE

If you find yourself out of an ingredient, or you're cooking for a family member with dietary restrictions, keep reading! Here are some simple modifications you can make if you need to substitute an ingredient in this recipe:

Butter Substitute – If you're short on butter, margarine will do!
Flour Substitute – If you're a gluten-sensitive family, leave out the flour and sub in almond flour instead. A one to one ratio typically works fine for sauces.
Garlic Cloves Substitute – No fresh garlic on hand? Use extra garlic powder. Start with a teaspoon or two and then add to suit your tastes.
Milk Substitute – You can use coconut milk or unflavored almond milk in place of regular milk. Coconut milk works especially well because it's thicker!
Heavy Cream Substitute – Don't panic if you're out of cream! Try this super simple cream substitute. Need a dairy-free option? Sub in coconut cream.
Cream Cheese Substitute – Swap in ricotta, cottage cheese, or sour cream if you need to! You can also try a dairy-free version, like Daiya.
Parmesan Cheese Substitute – If you're just running low on Parmesan, try a mixture of other white cheeses, including mozzarella. Avoiding dairy altogether? You can use shredded nut cheese! Just keep in mind the consistency may vary slightly, so add a little bit at a time.

Okay, we've talked pasta swaps and substitutions, and now we're going to share some of our fave add-ins! Good news. You've got plenty of options.

AMAZING ALFREDO ADD-INS TO TRY

fresh herbs on a cutting board, from Shelf Cooking

If you have leftover veggies or protein, chop it up and add it to that sauce! Because alfredo is so mild, it works well with just about anything you have in the pantry or fridge. Here are a few ingredients we love to mix-in:

Bacon
Spinach
Peas
Shrimp
Shredded Chicken
Lemon Zest/Juice
Fresh Herbs
Kale
Broccoli
Clams
Scallops
Red Peppers
Sundried Tomatoes
Olives
Mushrooms
Onions
Olive Brine or Pickle Juice

Pro Tip: Never throw out that olive brine or pickle juice! There are SO many incredible ways to use it. Including in pasta sauce!

MAKE IT PASTA NIGHT: ALFREDO STYLE!

plate of chicken Alfredo, from Shelf Cooking

Pasta night is a fan favorite around here because it's one of the easiest (and cheapest) meals you can make to feed the masses! Here are a few of our favorite ways to use alfredo sauce on pasta night:

Tortellini Alfredo – Whether you add a protein is up to you! We like a little bacon, but this dish is good enough on its own.
Fettuccini Alfredo – Here's a classic! We love to add shrimp and spinach. So darn good!
Baked Chicken Alfredo – Mix together your favorite pasta, shredded chicken, and Alfredo sauce, and feel free to toss in some veggies! Top with mozzarella and parmesan and bake at 350° F for around 30 minutes.
Bow Tie Chicken & Bacon Alfredo – Boil up a big batch of bowtie, toss in some shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and peas, then top with your alfredo sauce and some shredded parmesan.
White Lasagna – Put a fun twist on your favorite lasagna recipe by swapping the red sauce for alfredo.
Penne a la Alfredo – Add a protein if you'd like, or just let the cheese play the starring role in this dish!

Pretty much any pasta is yummy with some alfredo! Variety is the spice of life, right?

STORING + REHEATING LEFTOVERS

If you end up with sauce leftover, place it in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days. To freeze, let it cool, then store it in airtight freezer bags and use it within three months.

Remember, dairy tends to curdle when frozen, so be sure to stir frequently when reheating. For best results, thaw overnight, then heat on the stovetop. To thicken the sauce, add a pinch of cornstarch. Too thick? Add a splash of water or milk.

Want to use those leftovers in something totally new? Then keep on reading!

6 CLEVER WAYS TO USE LEFTOVER ALFREDO SAUCE

dish of macaroni and cheese, from Shelf Cooking

Let's think outside the pasta for a minute here. We LOVE alfredo sauce on pasta, but there are SO many delicious ways to use up those leftovers. Try one of these:

Pizza – Skip the marinara and top your crust with alfredo, chicken, mushrooms, and spinach. Ah-mazing, you guys!
Chicken Alfredo Sandwich – Thinly slice a cooked chicken breast, top it with caramelized onions and mushrooms, provolone cheese, and alfredo sauce, and put it all on a toasted hoagie bun.
Macaroni and Cheese – Add some alfredo sauce to this macaroni and cheese and then thank us later!
Chicken & Broccoli Alfredo Bake – Dice up a few chicken breasts (or shred them) and place them in a casserole dish with chopped cooked broccoli, salt, and pepper. Toss in your alfredo sauce and top with shredded cheese. Cover at bake at 350°F for around 30 minutes, then uncover and cook for 5 minutes.
Ravioli – Grab some frozen ravioli, cook it up, top with alfredo sauce, and serve with a salad on the side. It's the easiest meal ever!
Omelet – Round up your favorite fillings, whip up an omelet, and top it with some warm alfredo. YUM!

We'll take one of each. Pass the cheese, please!

OUR FAVORITE ALFREDO SAUCE RECIPE

Quick + easy + yummy + inexpensive = a winning combination in our opinion. And this alfredo sauce recipe checks ALL the boxes. We can't wait for you to try it!