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Creamy Budget Alfredo with Milk Recipe Easy No Heavy Cream Needed

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A creamy Alfredo sauce made without heavy cream, using milk and a roux for a rich, velvety texture. Quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or any pasta shape
  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to cook out the raw flour taste and start thickening the sauce.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking continuously over medium-low heat. The sauce will thicken in about 3-5 minutes. If too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
  5. Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg.
  6. Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, stirring gently to coat. Add more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  7. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Notes

Pour milk slowly while whisking to avoid lumps. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Alfredo sauce, creamy pasta, budget recipe, no heavy cream, easy dinner, quick Alfredo, milk Alfredo, comfort food

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/creamy-budget-alfredo-with-milk-recipe-easy-no-heavy-cream-needed/