Indulge in a creamy, rich, and velvety Alfredo sauce made with half and half! This easy, no-fail recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in just 15 minutes. Perfect for pasta, chicken, or seafood, this lighter alternative to traditional Alfredo delivers all the flavor without the heavy cream. Try it today for a deliciously smooth and cheesy homemade meal! 🍝🔥
1️⃣ Classic Alfredo Sauce with Half and Half 🧄🧀
Rich, creamy, and incredibly easy to make, this Classic Alfredo Sauce with Half and Half is the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-style pasta at home!
📝 Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 cup half and half 🥛
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish) 🌿
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta (or your favorite pasta) 🍝
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ . Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Pour in half and half and bring to a gentle simmer (don’t boil). Stir continuously.
4️⃣ . Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
5️⃣ . Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6️⃣ Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
7️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
✔️ Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies for extra flavor.
✔️ Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
🔥 Pro Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture!
2️⃣ Garlic Parmesan Chicken Alfredo with Half and Half
This creamy, garlicky Parmesan Chicken Alfredo is made with half and half for a rich yet lightened-up twist on the classic! Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
📝 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
- 1 tsp salt 🧂
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning 🌿
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 tbsp butter 🧈
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 ½ cups half and half 🥛
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice) 🌶️
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta 🍝
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ . Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ . Prepare the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat, then cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
3️⃣ Make the Sauce – In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in half and half, stirring continuously until it starts to simmer.
4️⃣ Add the Cheese – Slowly add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5️⃣ Combine – Toss the drained pasta in the Alfredo sauce, then top with sliced garlic-parmesan chicken.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese!
🍽 Serving Tips:
✔️ Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor. You
✔️ Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
✔️ Serve with garlic bread and a crisp salad.
🔥 Pro Tip: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing for the juiciest results!
3️⃣ Creamy Spinach & Mushroom Alfredo with Half and Half
This rich and creamy Alfredo combines sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach with a velvety half-and-half sauce. A lighter yet indulgent pasta dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor!
📝 Ingredients:
For the Pasta & Veggies:
- 12 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta 🍝
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 tbsp butter 🧈
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced 🍄
- 2 cups fresh spinach 🌿
- 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter 🧈
- 1 ½ cups half and half 🥛
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice) 🌶️
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ . Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
2️⃣ Sauté Mushrooms & Garlic – Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until golden brown. Stir in garlic and sauté for another minute.
3️⃣ Add Spinach – Toss in spinach, season with salt & pepper, and stir until wilted. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4️⃣ . Make the Sauce – In the same pan, melt butter, then pour in half and half. Bring to a gentle simmer, then slowly stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5️⃣ Combine Everything – Return the mushroom-spinach mixture to the sauce and toss in the cooked pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with extra Parmesan and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
🍽 Serving Tips:
✔️ Swap fettuccine for zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
✔️ Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
✔️ Serve with garlic bread and a crisp side salad.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use a mix of mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button) for the best flavor!
