Add the rich and creamy flavors of keto alfredo sauce to your next meal.
This recipe is easily made in under 10 minutes and only adds 2.2g net carbs to any meal it's served with.
Keto alfredo sauce is a low-carb version of the traditional alfredo sauce commonly used in Italian cuisine.
Don't worry, though - just because it's a low-carb keto sauce doesn't mean it isn't every bit as tasty.
With its rich and savory flavor, keto alfredo sauce pairs well with a variety of keto-friendly dishes, such as zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, grilled chicken, or keto pizza.
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Ingredients
Keto alfredo sauce is made with simple ingredients such as butter, heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
Because the ingredients are fairly basic, I recommend using fresh quality ingredients to ensure your homemade keto alfredo sauce has lots of flavors.
It really does make a difference!
To make this creamy sauce, you will need:
- Parmesan cheese - Thickens and flavors the sauce while also adding a salty and nutty taste. Fresh parmesan that you shred yourself melts (and tastes) much better than the pre-grated kind.
- Heavy cream - Provides the creamy texture and richness that alfredo sauce is known for, while also being low in carbohydrates.
- Unsalted butter - Used as a base for the sauce and to add richness and flavor. I recommend using grass-fed butter for the best results.
- Garlic - Adds a fragrant aroma and a subtle, savory flavor to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper - Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in this keto alfredo sauce recipe and provides a balanced taste.
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Making this creamy keto alfredo sauce is quick and easy. It can be done in just a few easy steps.
By following these directions, you can create a delicious and creamy low-carb sauce perfect for adding to your favorite low-carb dishes.
First, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and whisk until well combined. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes or until it starts to thicken.
Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately over your favorite keto-friendly pasta or vegetable dish.
If you find that your keto alfredo sauce is too thin, one option is to simmer the sauce over low heat until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. You can also add more parmesan or cream cheese to the sauce. If your sauce is too thick, mix in a bit more cream or water.
Hint: You can also thicken your sauce by adding a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum, but be sure to add these gradually and stir well to avoid clumping.
Substitutions
There are several substitutions that can be made for keto alfredo sauce to suit different dietary needs or preferences. Below you will find our recommended substitutions:
- Parmesan cheese - Other hard cheeses like Asiago, Pecorino Roman, or Gruyère cheese can be used instead of parm.
- Butter - Coconut oil, olive oil, or ghee can be used in place of butter.
- Dairy-free - If you are lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy, you can substitute the heavy cream and parmesan cheese with non-dairy alternatives such as coconut cream and nutritional yeast. You may need to adjust the other seasonings to balance the flavors.
Keep in mind that these substitutes may have slightly different flavors or alter the texture of the low-carb alfredo sauce, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients in the recipe to balance the flavors.
Variations
Want to mix up your alfredo sauce? Here are five different flavor variations for keto alfredo sauce that you can try:
- Garlic and herb - add fresh or dried herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce, along with minced garlic.
- Lemon and caper - stir in some fresh lemon juice and zest to the sauce, along with some briny capers. This will add a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with chicken or seafood.
- Mushroom - sauté some sliced mushrooms in butter or ghee until they are tender and golden brown.
- Sun-dried tomato and spinach - add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach to the sauce. This will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
- Bacon and cheddar - fry some chopped bacon until crispy, and stir it into the sauce along with some shredded cheddar cheese. This will add a smoky, salty flavor to the dish.
See this Keto Salmon Recipe in Creamy Garlic Sauce on my website!
Equipment
Making keto alfredo sauce is a relatively simple process that does not require any specialized equipment. However, a few basic kitchen tools on hand can make the process easier and more efficient. Here is some equipment you will need:
- Saucepan or skillet - You will need a small or medium-sized saucepan to cook the sauce. I opted to use a small cast iron skillet to make my alfredo sauce. The smaller the pan, the longer it will take to cook. Alternatively, a too-large pan will cause the sauce to burn.
- Whisk or spoon - You will need a whisk or a silicone/wooden spoon to stir the sauce as it cooks.
- Cheese grater - If you are using parmesan cheese or other hard cheeses, you will need a grater to shred the cheese.
- Measuring cups and spoons - To ensure that you add the right amount of ingredients to the sauce, you will need measuring cups and spoons.
Overall, the equipment needed to make keto alfredo sauce is minimal, and most home cooks will already have everything they need in their kitchen.
Storage
If you have leftover keto alfredo sauce or want to make a batch in advance, it's important to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and tasty. Here are some tips on how to store alfredo sauce:
- Refrigerator - Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from entering and causing the sauce to spoil or dry out.
- Freezer - You can also freeze keto alfredo sauce. Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the sauce in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating - To reheat the sauce, warm it up gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration or freezing, you can add a splash of heavy cream, water, or broth to thin it out to the desired consistency.
- Separation - It's common for alfredo sauce to separate when refrigerated or frozen. If this happens, simply stir the sauce vigorously or blend it in a blender until it becomes smooth and creamy again.
By following these tips, you can store keto alfredo sauce for later use.
Top tip
Use a block of parmesan cheese and shred it yourself. This will ensure the cheese melts and isn't grainy. Pre-shredded cheese has additives in it that will prevent it from melting properly.
FAQ
Alfredo sauce bought at the store or found in restaurants is made using flour which has lots of carbs. However, keto alfredo sauce uses low-carb substitutes. As a result, keto alfredo sauce is low in carbs.
Heavy cream is preferable for a rich and creamy sauce. While you can use whole milk for thinner, less rich alfredo if desired, whole milk has about twice as many carbs as heavy cream.
If you find that your keto alfredo sauce is too thin, one option is to simmer the sauce over low heat until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. You can also add more parmesan or cream cheese to the sauce.
The good news is there are so many low-carb-friendly ways to enjoy this decadent sauce. My favorite is to use keto pasta, which often ends up being zucchini noodles (learn how to make zoodles here). You can also try shirataki noodles.
Another great way to use this creamy sauce is as a pizza sauce with fathead dough. I also enjoy it as a dipping sauce for anything from bread to chicken.
Related recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with keto alfredo sauce:
📖 Recipe
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Keto Alfredo Sauce
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Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon butter unsalted
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 6 oz. parmesan cheese ¾ cup, freshly grated
- +/- salt and pepper to taste
Equipment
- Cheese Grater
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whisk until well combined. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until it starts to thicken.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately over your favorite keto-friendly pasta or vegetable dish.
5-INGREDIENTS COOKBOOK
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YOUR HOLIDAY PANTRY & GIFT GUIDES
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Approximate nutrition information is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. For the most accurate nutritional data, use the actual ingredients and brands you used in your preferred nutrition calculator.
Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Susan
Can you make this without garlic? My stomach can't tolerate garlic and I am looking for alternative ways of flavouring my food.
Rachel Groff
Yes, you can absolutely leave the garlic out. If you want to add more flavor try using chives, onions, fennel, or a bit of celery salt instead of garlic. Some people also like adding a pinch of allspice or nutmeg to their alfredo sauce.