Quick Answer
There are several good alternatives to heavy cream that can be used to make a creamy, rich Alfredo sauce. The best substitutes include:
- Whole milk – Adds creaminess and richness while reducing fat and calories.
- Evaporated milk – Provides a smooth, velvety texture similar to heavy cream.
- Greek yogurt – Thick, tangy yogurt that can mimic the thickness of heavy cream.
- Silken tofu – Blends easily into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cashew cream – Made by blending soaked cashews into a luscious cream.
- Coconut milk – Full fat coconut milk can replicate the richness of heavy cream.
- Heavy whipping cream – Less fat than heavy cream but with a similar velvety texture.
- Mascarpone cheese – Ultra-rich Italian cream cheese that makes a decadent sauce.
When substituting, use the same volume of cream called for in the recipe. For example, replace 1 cup of heavy cream with 1 cup of whole milk or evaporated milk. Reduce heat to prevent curdling and stir sauce frequently for best results.
What is Heavy Cream and Why Substitute?
Heavy cream, also called heavy whipping cream, is a dairy product that contains between 36-40% milkfat. It has a thick, rich consistency and is commonly used in recipes like alfredo sauce, ice cream, and soups to provide a silky texture and indulgent richness.
However, heavy cream is high in saturated fat and calories. Just 1/4 cup provides over 200 calories and 20 grams of fat. For this reason, many people look for lower fat, lighter alternatives to use in place of heavy cream.
Substituting for heavy cream allows you to reduce the overall fat and calorie content of a recipe while still achieving a creamy texture. Making your own alfredo sauce at home gives you control over the ingredients so you can lighten it up if desired.
Tips for Substituting Heavy Cream
When using an alternative to heavy cream in alfredo sauce, keep these tips in mind:
- Use whole milk alternatives like whole milk, evaporated milk, or half and half for the creamiest results. Low fat or skim milk may not provide enough richness.
- Opt for undiluted, creamy substitutes like Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese to mimic the thick texture of heavy cream.
- When using plant-based substitutes like cashew cream or coconut milk, choose full fat options for the most creaminess.
- You may need to use slightly more of a substitute (about 1/4 cup extra per 1 cup heavy cream) to achieve the ideal consistency.
- Reduce heat to medium or medium low to prevent milk substitutes from curdling or separating.
- Stir sauce frequently as it simmers until thickened to desired consistency.
- Add a splash of milk or cream at the end if needed to smooth out the texture.
- Sprinkle in a bit of cornstarch if your sauce isn’t thick enough.
With the right substitutions and cooking techniques, you can make a restaurant-quality alfredo sauce without the need for heavy cream!
Whole Milk
One of the easiest substitutes for heavy cream is whole milk. Whole milk contains around 3.5% milkfat, giving it more richness than lower fat milk options.
To use whole milk, simply replace the heavy cream called for in your alfredo recipe with an equal amount of whole milk. For example, substitute 1 cup whole milk for 1 cup heavy cream.
The sauce may end up slightly thinner, so you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken it if desired. Whole milk provides creaminess and richness while cutting back on fat.
Pros
- Adds richness and body while reducing fat
- Readily available and budget friendly
- Neutral flavor that won’t alter taste of sauce
Cons
- Not as thick or creamy as heavy cream
- Requires added thickener to reach ideal consistency
- Can curdle if boiled, so reduce heat
Evaporated Milk
Evaporated milk makes an excellent heavy cream substitute in pasta sauces. It has a creamy, velvety texture quite similar to heavy cream.
Evaporated milk is regular milk that has been reduced by heating it gently to remove about 60% of the water content. What remains is a concentrated, creamy milk product with a slight caramelized flavor.
When swapping evaporated milk for heavy cream, use the same 1:1 ratio called for in the original recipe. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often until slightly thickened.
Pros
- Very smooth, velvety texture
- Slightly thicker than regular milk
- Adds richness without excessive calories
Cons
- Can’t whip like heavy cream
- Not quite as thick and indulgent as heavy cream
Greek Yogurt
Creamy, luxurious Greek yogurt is an ideal heavy cream substitute in pasta dishes like alfredo. Thanks to its thick texture when undiluted, it mimics the richness of heavy cream quite well.
For best results, choose a full fat Greek yogurt. Nonfat or low fat yogurt won’t provide the same luscious quality needed in an alfredo sauce.
Replace the heavy cream in a recipe with an equal amount of full fat Greek yogurt. You may want to add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.
Pros
- Naturally thick, creamy texture
- Adds protein and calcium
- Tangy flavor complements savory sauces
Cons
- Can’t replicate whipped texture
- May alter flavor profile slightly
Silken Tofu
For a non-dairy, vegan alternative to heavy cream, turn to silken tofu. It has an ultra-smooth, creamy texture when blended that mimics the richness of heavy dairy cream.
Silken tofu is made by coagulating soy milk into curds, resulting in a luxurious, pudding-like tofu ideal for blending. Use soft or medium silken tofu for the smoothest results.
Simply blend 1 cup silken tofu with 2 tbsp milk or olive oil until completely smooth. Use this in place of 1 cup heavy cream in your alfredo recipe.
Pros
- Rich, creamy texture
- Easy to blend into smooth sauces
- Low in fat and cholesterol free
Cons
- Not as thick as heavy cream unless cornstarch is added
- Can thin out upon heating
Cashew Cream
For a vegan and paleo-friendly heavy cream substitute, cashew cream is a great option. It provides a neutral base that blends into thick, creamy sauces.
Soak 1 cup raw cashews overnight, then drain and blend with 1/4 cup water until completely smooth. Use in place of heavy cream in your alfredo in a 1:1 ratio.
You can also thin cashew cream with unsweetened nut milk for a lighter sauce texture. Just note that it may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Pros
- Thick, rich texture
- Neutral flavor
- Dairy-free and vegan
Cons
- Time consuming to prepare
- Can be grainy if cashews aren’t blended enough
- Adds a subtle nutty flavor
Coconut Milk
The richness of full-fat coconut milk can mimic the velvety quality of heavy cream quite well. Just be sure to stir often while simmering to prevent the milk from separating.
Look for unsweetened coconut milk with at least 13-15% fat, and use it in place of heavy cream at a 1:1 ratio. Light coconut milk won’t provide enough richness.
Coconut milk lends a subtle sweetness that complements the Parmesan cheese in alfredo sauce nicely. It’s an ideal dairy-free option.
Pros
- Naturally creamy, rich texture
- Works well in savory recipes
- Dairy-free and vegan
Cons
- Can potentially separate when heated
- Adds subtle coconut flavor
Heavy Whipping Cream
Heavy whipping cream contains 30-36% milkfat, slightly less than heavy cream. But it provides a very similar velvety texture when simmered into sauces.
Replace heavy cream with an equal amount of heavy whipping cream in your homemade alfredo recipe. While not quite as indulgent, it provides great richness with a bit less fat and calories.
Just be careful not to boil the sauce, as whipping cream can curdle more easily. Gently simmer over medium-low heat until thick enough to coat pasta.
Pros
- Very similar texture to heavy cream
- Lower in fat and calories
- Less likely to curdle than milk
Cons
- Not as rich and creamy as heavy cream
- More expensive than milk and cream alternatives
Mascarpone Cheese
Mascarpone is a triple-cream Italian cheese with a rich, creamy texture similar to softened cream cheese. Its lush mouthfeel makes it a perfect heavy cream substitute.
For an especially decadent alfredo sauce, replace 1 cup heavy cream with 1 cup mascarpone cheese. Add a splash of milk if needed to thin out the sauce.
Be sure to stir constantly and cook over gentle heat to prevent the cheese from clumping or splitting. Sprinkle in a bit of cornstarch if it needs thickening up.
Pros
- Ultra-creamy, smooth texture
- Adds rich flavor as well as richness
- Thickens easily into a smooth sauce
Cons
- Higher in calories than most substitutes
- Can become grainy if overheated
- Needs frequent stirring while cooking
How to Make Alfredo Sauce Without Heavy Cream
Once you’ve chosen your heavy cream substitute, making alfredo sauce is easy. Here is a simple alfredo recipe using evaporated milk in place of heavy cream:
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in evaporated milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Toss with cooked pasta and serve topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Any of the heavy cream substitutes can be used in this simple recipe for a quick, easy, and healthier alfredo sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about substituting for heavy cream:
Can I use almond milk instead of heavy cream?
Almond milk won’t provide the same richness and texture as heavy cream. For best results, use a whole milk dairy substitute or a thick, creamy plant-based option like coconut milk.
Is heavy whipping cream the same as heavy cream?
Heavy whipping cream contains slightly less fat (30-36% vs. 36-40%), but it can typically be used in place of heavy cream at a 1:1 ratio.
Why is my alfredo sauce with milk substitutes grainy?
Graininess means the milk curdled slightly. Be sure to cook at medium-low heat and stir sauce frequently to prevent curdling.
Can I thin heavy cream to reduce fat?
Yes, you can thin heavy cream by blending it with lower fat milk. For example, mix 1 cup heavy cream with 1 cup whole milk. This reduces fat while providing some creaminess.
Is condensed milk a good heavy cream substitute?
Sweetened condensed milk won’t work, but you can substitute evaporated milk (unsweetened concentrated milk) for heavy cream.
The Bottom Line
With a bit of creativity, you can replicated the rich, velvety texture of heavy cream using lower fat dairy, plant-based, or cheese alternatives. Whole milk, Greek yogurt, cashew cream, and evaporated milk make excellent substitutions.
Reduce heat and stir frequently when simmering cream substitutes in alfredo sauce to prevent curdling. Thicken with a bit of flour or cornstarch if needed. Adding Parmesan cheese to the sauce also provides richness.
Substituting heavy cream allows you to lighten up this classic pasta sauce without sacrificing its signature creaminess. Experiment with different options to find your favorite alternative.