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homemade inexpensive alfredo sauce

(1 RATING)
2.79K Pinches 13 Photos
Barefootbabi avatar
Sandy, UT
Updated on Dec 17, 2025

I've been making this recipe for years, but never posted it because I prefer to use Cassava flour (tapioca starch), but it was only available at specialty grocery stores until fairly recently. If you prefer, you can use corn starch, but I'm unaware if there would be a change in measurements.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

If you're in a pinch, this homemade Alfredo sauce is a wonderful way to elevate a box of pasta. Evaporated milk adds a slightly nutty and sweeter flavor than a store-bought jar of Alfredo sauce. There's a hint of garlic flavor, too. If you don't have cassava flour, corn starch works well as a thickener. We added the Alfredo sauce to pan-seared chicken served over pasta as Chandra suggested, and everyone enjoyed it.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 5 Min
cook time 10 Min
method Stove Top
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cassava flour (tapioca starch), can sub corn starch
  • 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup regular milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/3 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make homemade inexpensive alfredo sauce

  • Make a slurry of corn starch/cassava flour and evaporated milk.
    Step 1
    Make a slurry by adding cassava flour or corn starch and 2 Tbsp evaporated milk in a bowl. Whisk until the cassava flour or corn starch is dissolved.
  • Heat butter in a pan.
    Step 2
    In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
    Step 3
    Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Whisk in evaporated milk and regular milk.
    Step 4
    Reduce the heat to low-medium heat and gradually whisk in the remaining evaporated milk and regular milk.
  • Whisk in the slurry.
    Step 5
    Gradually whisk in the slurry into the warm milk mixture.
  • Whisk until the sauce starts to thicken.
    Step 6
    Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for about 3 - 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  • Add salt and pepper.
    Step 7
    Add salt and pepper.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese.
    Step 8
    Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, whisking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Homemade Inexpensive Alfredo Sauce over pasta and pan-seared chicken.
    Step 9
    Serve over prepared pasta. I pan-fry a chicken breast, without seasoning, and slice it thin to add on top.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 158 kcal, carbohydrates: 12 g, cholesterol: 31 mg, fat: 10 g, fiber: 1 g, protein: 6 g, saturated fat: 6 g, sodium: 411 mg, sugar: 6 g, unsaturated fat: 4 g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

Discover More

Category: Pasta
Culture: Italian
Keyword: #sauce
Keyword: #Alfredo
Keyword: #pasta
Keyword: #Italian
Ingredient: Dairy
Method: Stove Top

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