Alfredo sauce is a creamy, cheese-based pasta sauce that originated in Italy. It is made from butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. Some key features of alfredo sauce are its smooth, rich, and velvety texture as well as its mild cheese flavor. If you enjoy the indulgent taste of alfredo, you may be wondering what other dishes you can make that are similar. There are a few options for creamy pasta sauces and dishes that can satisfy your craving for something like alfredo.
Creamy Garlic Pasta
One easy alfredo alternative is creamy garlic pasta. Just like alfredo, this dish has a smooth, creamy texture but gets extra flavor from garlic. Creamy garlic pasta is made by sautéing minced garlic in butter or olive oil, then mixing in heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, parmesan cheese, and seasonings. The liquid gently cooks down to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. Some recipes also include spices like nutmeg, pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra dimension. The end result is a simple, flavorful cream sauce pasta that is reminiscent of alfredo.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Another way to change up a basic alfredo is to add mushrooms. Creamy mushroom pasta utilizes sliced mushrooms sautéed in butter or olive oil along with garlic. Heavy cream simmers with the mushrooms to make a sauce base before cheese like parmesan or mozzarella is added. The mushrooms add great texture and earthy flavor to balance the rich creaminess from the sauce. Thyme and parsley are also common seasonings. Just like with garlic, the mushroom variations provide extra taste while keeping the indulgent sauce you expect from alfredo.
Creamy Chicken Pasta
Chicken is also an excellent addition to creamy pasta. Diced, pan-seared chicken breast can be combined with a garlic, butter, cream, and cheese sauce. Lemon juice and zest add brightness, while chicken broth is an option for thinning out the sauce. The chicken provides a hearty, satisfying protein element. The result is a chicken alfredo-esque pasta dish with substance. You can also add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients and flavors.
Carbonara
Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pork, and black pepper. Like alfredo, carbonara features a rich, creamy sauce from egg yolks and parmesan cheese. But it gets added complexity from pancetta or bacon. Making carbonara involves rendering the pork until crispy, then tossing the hot pasta with whisked eggs, cheese, and pepper. The heat from the pasta cooks the egg slightly to create a smooth sauce. Pecorino romano is the traditional cheese, though you can also use parmesan or a blend. If you want something heartier than plain alfredo, carbonara is a great choice.
Cajun Alfredo
If you want to add some spice to creamy alfredo, consider making a Cajun version. Cajun alfredo combines alfredo’s quintessential butter, cream, and parmesan with Cajun seasonings. Onion, bell pepper, and celery are sautéed as the Cajun flavor base. Cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, oregano, and thyme add signature heat and robustness. You can also include chicken, shrimp, or andouille sausage for protein. The result is a pasta that keeps the creamy smoothness of alfredo but with a kick of heat and zest from the Cajun seasonings.
Pesto
Basil pesto is another classic creamy pasta sauce that is similar to alfredo. Traditional pesto is made from basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan or Pecorino cheese blended into a coarse puree. The basil gives fresh herbal flavor while the cheese provides creaminess and richness. Pesto is an uncooked sauce, so it maintains a brighter, more herbaceous profile than long-simmered alfredo. But both sauces deliver creaminess, cheesiness, and simple flavor. For a twist, try alternate pesto varieties made with spinach, sun dried tomatoes, or other herbs like cilantro.
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
For an easy alfredo-like sauce, look no further than cheddar cheese sauce. This family-friendly sauce is made by melting butter, then whisking in flour to make a roux. Milk and shredded cheddar cheese are added and simmered until thick and creamy. The cheese gives the same velvety richness as alfredo, though with the sharper, more familiar flavor of cheddar. Mustard, garlic powder, or hot sauce can be added for extra dimension. Cheddar sauce is great on pasta, but can also be served over broccoli, cauliflower, or baked potatoes.
Rose Sauce
Rose sauce, or pasta al pomodoro, has a pink hue from tomatoes. Despite the fresh tomato flavor, rose sauce still provides a rich, creamy pasta experience. The tomatoes are pureed into a smooth sauce made creamy by the addition of heavy cream or mascarpone cheese. Onions, garlic, and basil are commonly used for additional flavor. Cream helps temper the acidity from the tomatoes. Parmesan cheese can be added as well for more character. Rose sauce has the comfort factor of alfredo with added nutrients from the tomatoes.
Vodka Sauce
Vodka sauce is a tomato-based sauce infused with heavy cream and vodka. Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree create the base along with onions, garlic, and olive oil. Heavy cream contributes the creamy texture while vodka lends subtle flavor without overpowering. The vodka also helps draw out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Parmesan or romano cheese and basil are common additions. The sauce typically simmers so the vodka can cook off. Vodka sauce has a brighter red color than alfredo but still delivers creaminess and rich flavor.
White Cheddar Cheese Sauce
For an easy, family-friendly alfredo substitute, whip up a batch of white cheddar cheese sauce. Also known as mornay sauce, this classic French sauce starts with a white roux of butter and flour. Milk and white cheddar cheese are then incorporated to create a smooth, velvety sauce. The white cheddar gives a milder, subtler cheese flavor than sharper cheddar. White cheddar sauce is great over broccoli, cauliflower, chicken, or pasta. The mild cheese flavor makes it an accessible and tasty alternative to alfredo for picky eaters.
Bechamel
Bechamel is one of the mother sauces of French cuisine and the base of many other creamy sauces. It consists of milk thickened with a white roux of butter and flour. While parmesan or other cheese can be added, traditional bechamel gets its creaminess just from the starch and butter. Onion, garlic, nutmeg, and white pepper are often incorporated for added dimension. Bechamel has a more subtly creamy flavor than rich alfredo. But it can be an excellent neutral base to build other creamy pasta sauces on top of.
Conclusion
With its creamy texture and mild cheese flavor, alfredo sauce is a comforting classic. Thankfully, there are many other easy pasta dishes and sauces to satisfy cravings for creaminess when you want something new. Options like garlic, mushroom, and chicken pasta put flavorful spins on the standard alfredo recipe. Alternatives like pesto, cheddar cheese sauce, vodka sauce, and bechamel offer diversity while still remaining rich and velvety. With so many choices for cream-based sauces and pasta dishes, it’s easy to find new favorites while still enjoying the indulgence of alfredo now and then.