Creative Uses For Alfredo Cheese Sauce

where to use the alfredo cheese sauce

Alfredo sauce is a rich and creamy sauce that is perfect for pasta, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. It is typically made with butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, although variations exist that include additional ingredients such as olive oil, milk, mozzarella cheese, and various seasonings. When making Alfredo sauce, it is important to heat the butter and cream over low heat and whisk in the garlic and seasonings before adding the cheese. The sauce can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for later use.

Characteristics Values
Use Can be used with pasta, chicken, shrimp, pizza, vegetables, or as a dip
Ingredients Butter, cream, garlic, pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan, mozzarella, or cream cheese
Preparation Melt butter, add cream and other ingredients, simmer, stir in cheese, serve immediately
Storage Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-5 days, freeze for up to three months

cycheese

Chicken Alfredo

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • Chicken breasts
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Butter

For the pasta:

  • Fettuccine or any long pasta shape such as linguine, spaghetti, or pappardelle
  • Salt

For the Alfredo sauce:

  • Butter
  • Heavy whipping cream or heavy cream
  • Garlic, fresh or powdered
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions:

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, warm some olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and leave it undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the chicken over, add a tablespoon of butter, and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing it into 1/2-inch pieces.

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, usually around 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the cooking water, which can be used to thin the sauce if needed.

In the same skillet used for the chicken, make the Alfredo sauce. Start by melting some butter over low heat. Add the heavy cream and simmer for about 2 minutes without boiling. Whisk in the garlic and seasonings, and cook for another minute. Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened. If you're using mozzarella cheese, add it now and stir until melted and combined.

Toss the cooked pasta and sliced chicken into the sauce skillet. Serve immediately, garnished with some chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Tips and Variations:

  • Chicken Alfredo is best served right away, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • When reheating leftovers, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop, as the sauce may separate. You may need to add a little chicken stock or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • You can also add some reserved pasta cooking water to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
  • While fettuccine is the classic pasta choice for Chicken Alfredo, feel free to use any long pasta shape or even short noodles.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and serve the Alfredo sauce with broccoli or roasted vegetables.
Pizza Hut's Cheese: Real or Fake?

You may want to see also

cycheese

Shrimp Alfredo

Ingredients:

For the Alfredo sauce, you will need butter, olive oil, heavy cream, garlic, pepper, and cheese. The cheese can be a combination of freshly grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and Asiago cheese. You can also add Italian seasoning and a squeeze of fresh lemon to enhance the flavor. For the shrimp, use large shrimp, either fresh or frozen, and ensure you have enough to satisfy the amount of pasta you are cooking.

Preparation:

Start by measuring out all your ingredients and having them ready to go. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the fridge or use the quick-thaw method by submerging them in a zip-top bag with cold water. Place the bag in a bowl and change the water every 30 minutes until the shrimp are thawed. Remember never to thaw shrimp at room temperature.

For the sauce, heat butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat until the butter is melted. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then, mix in heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring often for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let the sauce boil. Stir in the cheeses until the sauce is thick and smooth. You can add more cheese if you prefer a thicker sauce.

For the shrimp, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for about 1 minute and 20 seconds per side, stirring occasionally to avoid overcooking. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Boil your pasta according to the package instructions, and drain without rinsing.

Serving:

Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and coat well. Toss in the shrimp and combine. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage:

Leftover Shrimp Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the sauce alone, it can be stored for up to 5 days. Reheating is best done in a sauce pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.

cycheese

Fettuccine Alfredo

Ingredients

To make Fettuccine Alfredo, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Fettuccine pasta
  • Butter (unsalted)
  • Heavy cream
  • Garlic (freshly minced or powdered)
  • Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: Italian seasoning, nutmeg, parsley, or other herbs

Cooking the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. You can add a small amount of salt to the water to season the pasta. Once the water is boiling, add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions or until al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making the Alfredo Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. You can adjust the amount of butter used according to your preference, typically ranging from 3/4 cup to 2 sticks. Add minced garlic and sauté until softened, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes.

Next, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer over medium-high heat for around 5 minutes to thicken. You can also add some pasta water to the sauce to enhance the flavour and help it coat the pasta better. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, and any additional seasonings you wish to include.

Now, it's time to add the cheese! Grate the Parmesan cheese and add half of it to the sauce. Whisk or stir the mixture well until it becomes smooth and creamy. Keep the sauce on low heat and continue whisking until the cheese is completely melted and well combined.

Combining the Pasta and Sauce

In a large serving bowl, place half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the warm cooked pasta into the bowl and toss it with the cheese. Then, add the creamy Alfredo sauce and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated. If needed, you can thin out the sauce with a little pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serving

Storage and Reheating

Leftover Fettuccine Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

cycheese

Veggies

Alfredo sauce is a creamy, garlicky Parmesan sauce that is a perfect topping for vegetables. The sauce is typically made with butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, but some recipes call for additional ingredients such as olive oil, garlic, parsley, and pepper.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a versatile vegetable that can be sautéed, fried, or added to a sauce. When paired with Alfredo sauce, mushrooms add a savory, earthy flavor to the dish.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutritious and flavorful vegetable that can be steamed, boiled, or roasted. When topped with Alfredo sauce, it adds a creamy dimension to the vegetable.

Spinach

Spinach is a leafy green vegetable that is packed with nutrients. It can be sautéed, steamed, or added to sauces. Spinach has a mild flavor that pairs well with the richness of Alfredo sauce.

Peas

Peas are a sweet and starchy vegetable that can be steamed, boiled, or added to dishes like fried rice. When paired with Alfredo sauce, peas add a pop of color and a sweet flavor.

Asparagus

Asparagus is a spring vegetable with a unique flavor and texture. It can be grilled, roasted, or steamed. When topped with Alfredo sauce, asparagus becomes a flavorful and elegant side dish.

Onions

Onions are a versatile vegetable that can be sautéed, caramelized, or added raw to dishes. They add a savory, slightly sweet flavor to the dish. When paired with Alfredo sauce, onions can enhance the overall flavor profile.

Alfredo sauce is a versatile condiment that can enhance the flavor of vegetables. By experimenting with different cooking methods and combinations, you can create delicious and nutritious vegetable dishes with Alfredo sauce as the star ingredient.

The Best Cheeses to Use for Spaetzle

You may want to see also

cycheese

Pizza

Alfredo sauce is a great alternative to the traditional tomato sauce used on pizzas. It is made with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese, so it adds a good amount of fat to the pizza. When using Alfredo sauce as a base, be mindful not to add too many other fatty ingredients.

To make an Alfredo pizza, you'll need to start with a ball of pizza dough, stretched out evenly on a pizza pan. For the sauce, you can either make your own or use a store-bought option. Spread about 3/4 cup of the sauce evenly over the dough, leaving some room around the edges for the crust.

Next, it's time to add your toppings. A mix of shredded low-moisture mozzarella and diced fresh mozzarella works well, as the low-moisture mozzarella adds a nice, dry stretchiness to the pizza. You can also sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese and a little kosher salt. If you want to add some extra protein, try topping your pizza with cooked chicken, shrimp, or cubed bacon. For a vegetarian option, you can add cooked asparagus, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, raw bell pepper, jalapeno, or Fresno chile.

Once you've added your desired toppings, it's time to bake the pizza. Preheat your oven to 500°F and place an oven rack in the lowest possible position. Transfer the pizza to the oven and bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. For an extra touch of flavor, finish the pizza with a sprinkling of chives or freshly chopped parsley.

Frequently asked questions

Fettuccine is the classic pasta to use with Alfredo sauce, but it also goes well with other types of pasta such as penne or linguine.

Yes, Alfredo sauce is commonly used with grilled chicken or shrimp.

Yes, you can use Alfredo sauce with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli.

Yes, you can use Alfredo sauce as a base for pizza, and it goes well with toppings such as chicken, spinach, and cheese.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment