Alfredo sauce is a creamy, dreamy comfort food that can be found topping some of the most crave-worthy pasta dishes. But left on its own, this butter and cheese-based sauce can seem a little, well, boring. When you’re looking to add some excitement to a pot of alfredo, there are plenty of simple ways to infuse big, bold flavors that transform it into something special.
What are some easy ways to jazz up basic alfredo sauce? Here are tips for taking alfredo from bland to grand with mix-ins like herbs, spices, vegetables, proteins, and more.
Add Herbs and Spices
One of the easiest ways to boost flavor in alfredo is by adding fresh or dried herbs. Options like basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and parsley infuse notes of earthy freshness and aromatic vibrance. Consider stirring in:
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil or 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Spices can also quickly amp up alfredo with warming, woodsy flavors. Add a pinch or two of:
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Stir in Vegetables
Another great way to boost nutrition and texture is by mixing in vegetables. Try sautéing, roasting, or steaming veggies first to deepen their flavors before folding them into the finished sauce. Delicious add-ins include:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Roasted red peppers
- Wilted spinach
- Sautéed zucchini
- Roasted broccoli
For creamier alfredo, puree veggies like cauliflower or butternut squash and blend them into the sauce. You’ll amp up nutrition while maintaining that luscious, velvety texture.
Recommended vegetable amounts per 1 cup alfredo:
| Vegetable | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mushrooms | 1/2 cup sliced |
| Roasted red peppers | 1/4 cup chopped |
| Spinach | 1 cup fresh or frozen |
| Zucchini | 1/2 cup diced |
| Broccoli | 1/2 cup florets |
| Cauliflower | 1/2 cup riced or pureed |
| Butternut squash | 1/2 cup pureed |
Include Protein
Adding protein takes alfredo from a side dish to a hearty meal. Stirring in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage boosts nutrition and satisfaction. Other protein-packed add-ins include:
- Diced ham
- Crumbled bacon
- Diced prosciutto
- Cooked lentils or white beans
- Chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts
Recommended protein amounts per 1 cup alfredo:
| Protein | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 1/2 cup shredded or diced |
| Shrimp | 1/4 cup small or diced |
| Sausage | 1/4 cup crumbled and cooked |
| Ham | 1/4 cup diced |
| Bacon | 2 slices cooked and crumbled |
| Prosciutto | 2 slices diced |
| Lentils | 1/4 cup cooked |
| White beans | 1/4 cup cooked and drained |
| Almonds | 2 tablespoons chopped |
| Walnuts | 2 tablespoons chopped |
| Pine nuts | 2 tablespoons |
Boost Flavor with Cheese
What’s an alfredo sauce without cheese? Maximize that cheesy goodness by mixing in grated parmesan, romano, asiago, gruyere, or fontina. Shredded mozzarella, provolone, swiss, cheddar, or gouda also melt beautifully into creamy alfredo.
For an extra flavor punch, add small cubes of soft cheese like goat, brie or blue cheese. Their tanginess adds a tasty flair.
Recommended cheese amounts per 1 cup alfredo:
| Cheese | Amount |
|---|---|
| Grated parmesan, romano, asiago | 2-3 tablespoons |
| Grated gruyere, fontina | 3 tablespoons |
| Shredded mozzarella, provolone, swiss, cheddar, gouda | 1/4 cup |
| Goat cheese | 2 tablespoons crumbled |
| Brie | 2 tablespoons cubed |
| Blue cheese | 2 tablespoons crumbled |
Finish with Fresh Flavor
Right before serving, brighten up your dressed-up alfredo with a final hit of fresh flavor. Try stirring in or topping with:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons capers
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, basil, oregano, or chives
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon or orange zest
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
A finishing drizzle of olive oil or sprinkling of breadcrumbs adds texture and richness. Freshly cracked black pepper and grated parmesan also make flavorful final touches.
Conclusion
With just a few easy add-ins, it’s simple to take a pot of basic alfredo from blah to ta-dah. Herbs, spices, veggies, proteins and cheese mix-ins infuse flavor, nutrition and heartiness, while a final hit of zesty ingredients makes it sing. With this guide, you’ll be saucing up pasta night with customized creamy alfredo creations in no time.