Amazing Alfredo Sauce

This Amazing Alfredo Sauce is rich, creamy, and very simple, as long as you use real ingredients. It’s a fantastic base on its own or dressed up with pancetta, ham, or prosciutto.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream (whipping cream)

• 2 to 2 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup)

• 2 tbsp chopped garlic (jarred minced garlic works well)

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Do not substitute half-and-half for cream or margarine for butter—if you’re going to indulge, do it properly!

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.

2. Add the garlic, then slowly pour in the cream, stirring constantly. Increase the heat slightly and bring just to a gentle boil, stirring all the time.

3. Let the mixture reduce a little (about 2 minutes).

4. Slowly add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

5. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer a few minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Pour over your favorite pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.

Variations:

• For pancetta or prosciutto: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet, sauté diced pancetta until cooked and a bit crispy, then stir into the finished sauce.

• For diced ham: Add directly to the finished sauce and heat through.

• Try this sauce over seafood medallions, cheese ravioli, or tossed with penne/linguine and some steamed broccoli or peas.