Name: TikTok’s Viral Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 cup heavy cream; 1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: chopped parsley for garnish; Cooked pasta of your choice (fettuccine, linguine, penne, etc.)

Creamy, rich, and impossibly easy to make, this Alfredo sauce recipe blew up on TikTok for good reason. It delivers restaurant-level flavor in just minutes—no complicated steps or fancy tools required. Whether I’m making a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends, this silky, garlicky sauce is always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1½ cups freshly grated parmesan cheese

1 cup heavy cream

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Cooked pasta of your choice (fettuccine, linguine, penne, etc.)

Directions

I start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Once it’s fully melted, I add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1–2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant—not browned.

Then I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

I reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

I season with salt and pepper to taste.

Finally, I toss the sauce with freshly cooked pasta until it’s evenly coated.

If I want to add a touch of freshness, I garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes just 15 minutes total—5 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. Each serving is about 425 kcal. It’s the perfect last-minute dinner solution.

Variations

Add protein: I sometimes toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or pancetta for extra heartiness.

Make it spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.

Herb twist: Stir in a bit of Italian seasoning or fresh basil for extra depth.

Lighter version: I’ve swapped the heavy cream with half-and-half in a pinch—it still works, though it’s slightly less rich.

Go gluten-free: I use gluten-free pasta without any problem; the sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover Alfredo sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I do it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at low heat, stirring frequently. Sometimes I add a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up again—cream sauces tend to thicken as they sit.

FAQs

How do I keep the Alfredo sauce from clumping?

I always whisk in the parmesan slowly over low heat to ensure a smooth sauce. Using freshly grated cheese (not pre-shredded) also helps it melt evenly.

Can I freeze this Alfredo sauce?

Technically, yes—but I don’t recommend it. Cream-based sauces can separate when thawed. It’s best made fresh or stored short-term in the fridge.

What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?

I love fettuccine for a classic touch, but penne, linguine, or even spaghetti all work well—the sauce coats them beautifully.

Can I make this Alfredo sauce without cream?

For a lighter twist, I’ve used whole milk with a bit of flour or cream cheese to thicken. It’s not quite the same, but still delicious.

Is this the traditional Alfredo recipe?

Not exactly—traditional Italian Alfredo uses just butter and parmesan. This viral version adds cream and garlic for that ultra-creamy, garlicky flavor TikTok loves.

Conclusion

TikTok’s viral Alfredo sauce is more than just hype—it’s a genuinely delicious, fuss-free recipe that I find myself coming back to over and over. It’s rich, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for nearly any occasion. Whether I’m short on time or just craving something comforting, this recipe never disappoints.

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