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Keto Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Dom Lorenzo
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If you're craving a rich, creamy sauce that fits your low-carb lifestyle, this Keto Alfredo Sauce is exactly what you need. Made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it's the perfect topping for zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or grilled chicken.

Unlike store-bought Alfredo sauces that often contain hidden carbs, preservatives, and unhealthy oils, this homemade version keeps things clean and keto-approved. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s one of those must-have keto staples that take your meals to the next level.

Keto Alfredo sauce served in a transparent glass bowl.
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Preparation and Cooking Overview

This sauce is quick to make and packed with flavor. It takes about 10 minutes from start to finish. Just melt the butter, add garlic, whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan, then season and simmer for a smooth, creamy texture. No fancy techniques—just simple, creamy goodness perfect for low-carb pasta or veggies.

Chef's note

This homemade Alfredo sauce is better than any store-bought version and 100% keto-friendly. Use fresh minced garlic instead of powder if you like a stronger garlic kick. For an extra creamy texture, add a little cream cheese or use freshly grated Parmesan for better meltability.

Want a richer flavor? Swap half of the heavy cream for cream cheese or add a splash of chicken broth for a lighter consistency. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give your Alfredo sauce a subtle kick!

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  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 6 Servings

Ingredients for This Keto Alfredo Sauce Recipe

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional but recommended for depth of flavor)

Ingredient Substitutions

Need alternatives? Here are some swaps that still keep it keto:

  • Butter: Swap butter for ghee if you prefer a nuttier flavor or need a lactose-free option.
  • Heavy cream: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free version with a subtle sweetness.
  • Parmesan cheese: These cheeses offer a similar salty, umami-rich flavor with slightly different textures.
  • Garlic powder: Fresh garlic gives a stronger, more aromatic flavor compared to milder powder.

Additional Ingredients

Want to change things up? Try these keto add-ins:

  • Cream cheese: This adds extra creaminess and a slight tang, making the sauce even richer and more velvety.
  • Chicken or bone broth: A small splash helps lighten the sauce while enhancing its savory, umami-rich depth.
  • Red pepper flakes: These add a gentle heat that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
  • Lemon zest: A little zest brightens up the sauce with a fresh, slightly tangy contrast.
  • Chopped fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil bring a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

Cooking Tools Required

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Heat-resistant spatula

Tool Substitute Options

  • Whisk: Use a fork, but whisk vigorously to avoid clumps.
  • Saucepan: Instead of a saucepan, use a deep skillet works just as well.

How to Make Keto Alfredo Sauce: Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Methods

  • Simmering
  • Whisking

Preparation Steps

  1. Measure out all ingredients before starting.
  2. Mince fresh garlic if using instead of powder.
  3. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best meltability.

Cooking Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic (fresh or powdered) and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in heavy cream slowly, whisking continuously.
  4. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth.
  5. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to thicken.

Chef's pro tip

Whisk constantly while adding the cheese to prevent lumps. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or almond milk to loosen it up.

What to Serve with Keto Alfredo Sauce

This creamy sauce pairs well with:

  • Shirataki noodles: Their neutral flavor and springy texture make them a great low-carb base that soaks up the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
  • Spaghetti squash: Its naturally sweet, tender strands balance the richness of the sauce, offering a delicious keto-friendly pasta substitute.
  • Grilled chicken breast: The mild, juicy chicken absorbs the creamy sauce, adding protein and making the dish more filling.
  • Steamed broccoli: The slight crunch and earthy flavor of broccoli contrast nicely with the smooth, cheesy sauce for a well-rounded meal.
  • Zucchini noodles: Their light and slightly crisp texture pairs perfectly with the rich Alfredo, creating a fresh and satisfying low-carb option.

How to Make It Healthier

  • Use half heavy cream and half almond milk to reduce calories.
  • Opt for coconut cream if want a dairy-free.
  • Reduce sodium by skipping the salt and using unsalted butter.

Time-Saving Tips

  • Use pre-grated Parmesan: Freshly grated melts best, but high-quality pre-grated Parmesan saves time without compromising flavor.

What Can I Prepare Ahead of Time?

  • Grate the Parmesan and store it in an airtight container.
  • Measure out spices in advance to speed up the process.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover sauce in a mason jar or airtight container in the fridge.
  • Keeps fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Avoid freezing—dairy-based sauces tend to separate.

Best Reheating Instructions

  • Stovetop: Warm on low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of cream if too thick.
  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Recipe Wrap-Up and Conclusion

This homemade Keto Alfredo Sauce is a must-try for anyone following a low-carb, keto-friendly diet. It’s creamy, flavorful, and works with a variety of meals. Whether you pour it over zoodles, or chicken, or even use it as a keto pizza sauce, this cheesy sauce is a winner. Make it today and enjoy guilt-free comfort food!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, this homemade Alfredo sauce is keto-friendly! It’s made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, all of which are low in carbs and high in fat—ideal for a keto diet. Unlike store-bought versions that may contain hidden sugars, starches, or preservatives, this recipe keeps things clean and keto-approved.

This homemade Keto Alfredo Sauce has minimal carbs, usually around 5 grams of net carbs per serving. The exact carb count depends on ingredient brands, but since it contains only butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan (all naturally low in carbs), it's an excellent choice for a low-carb diet.

Freezing is not recommended because dairy-based sauces tend to separate when thawed. If you must freeze it:

  • Store in an airtight container.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking constantly and adding a splash of cream to help emulsify it back together.

Simply add a bit of water, chicken broth, or almond milk while reheating and whisk well.

Yes, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

📖 Recipe

Keto Alfredo sauce served in a transparent glass bowl.

Keto Alfredo Sauce

Whip up this rich, creamy sauce in just 10 minutes—because who doesn’t love a silky, cheesy sauce that makes everything taste amazing?
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Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 10-minutes recipe
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 428kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 ¼ cups grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg optional but recommended for depth of flavor
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Measure out all ingredients before starting.
  • Mince fresh garlic if using instead of powder.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for the best meltability.

Cooking Instructions

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Add garlic (fresh or powdered) and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Pour in heavy cream slowly, whisking continuously.
  • Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until smooth.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, then let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to thicken.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Alfredo Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 428 Calories from Fat 387
% Daily Value*
Fat 43g66%
Saturated Fat 27g169%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 126mg42%
Sodium 577mg25%
Potassium 107mg3%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 0.1g0%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 8g16%
Vitamin A 1528IU31%
Vitamin C 0.4mg0%
Calcium 229mg23%
Iron 0.2mg1%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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