Alfredo sauce is a rich and creamy sauce that often tops pasta dishes. The classic recipe includes butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. But did you know that there are many ways to dress up your Alfredo sauce to give it an extra pop of flavor? In this blog post, we will explore the many ingredients you can add to Alfredo sauce to take your pasta dishes to the next level.
Garlic Powder
One of the easiest ways to add flavor to your Alfredo sauce is by using garlic powder. Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce. Start by adding a teaspoon of garlic powder to your Alfredo sauce and adjust the amount to your liking.
Red Pepper Flakes
If you like a little bit of heat in your pasta dishes, red pepper flakes are a great addition to Alfredo sauce. They add a nice spicy kick that complements the rich creaminess of the sauce. Start by adding just a pinch of red pepper flakes and adjust the amount depending on how much heat you prefer.
Cayenne Pepper
Similar to red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper is another great way to add some heat to your Alfredo sauce. Cayenne pepper is much more potent than red pepper flakes, so be careful not to add too much. Start with just a pinch and adjust to taste.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. It adds a nice herbal flavor to Alfredo sauce and complements the other flavors nicely. Start with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and adjust to taste.
Dried Oregano
Dried oregano is a staple herb in Italian cooking and pairs well with Alfredo sauce. It adds a slightly pungent and bitter flavor that balances out the richness of the sauce. Start with a teaspoon of dried oregano and adjust to taste.
Dried Thyme
Dried thyme is another herb that pairs well with Alfredo sauce. It has a slightly minty and earthy taste that adds depth to the sauce. Start with a teaspoon of dried thyme and adjust to taste.
Onion Powder
If you like the flavor of onion but don’t want big chunks of onion in your Alfredo sauce, onion powder is a great option. It adds a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sauce. Start with a teaspoon of onion powder and adjust to taste.
Salt and Pepper
While not technically an ingredient to “add”, salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors in Alfredo sauce. Adding a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper can make a big difference in the overall flavor of the sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alfredo sauce is a versatile sauce that can be easily customized to your tastes. Garlic powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, dried thyme, onion powder, and salt and pepper are all great options for adding extra flavor to your sauce. Experiment with different combinations of these ingredients to find your perfect Alfredo sauce recipe.
FAQ
What are good things to put in alfredo?
Alfredo is a rich, creamy and savory sauce that originated in Italy. It is a favorite for pasta lovers around the world, but many people may not know what ingredients they can add to this classic sauce to give it more flavor and depth. Luckily, there are many different ingredients you can use to enhance the taste of your alfredo sauce.
One great way to elevate alfredo sauce is to add herbs and spices. Heartier herbs like thyme or oregano can be added in to simmer with the sauce, allowing their flavors to fully infuse into the sauce. These herbs work well with the rich flavor of alfredo, and they add a grounding note to the sauce which can balance out the richness.
In addition to herbs, delicate herbs like parsley, basil, or chervil can be added at the end of cooking to maintain their delicate, aromatic flavor. These herbs are great for adding a pop of freshness to the sauce, which can brighten up the dish as well as balance out the richness of the cream.
Another ingredient that can be added to alfredo sauce is garlic. Garlic adds a depth of flavor that complements the creamy nature of the sauce. You can either chop up fresh garlic or use garlic powder to add a burst of savory flavor to your alfredo.
If you are looking for a way to add more nutrition to your alfredo dish, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms or roasted red peppers. These veggies will add color, texture and some nutrients to the dish. Simply sauté them first before adding them to the sauce.
Finally, for a quick and easy way to add another herbaceous twist to your Alfredo sauce, you can swirl in a bit of leftover pesto. This ingredient will add a hint of basil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese that will add another layer to the alfredo sauce.
The possibilities for enhancing the taste of alfredo sauce are numerous. Adding herbs, garlic, vegetables or leftover pesto can make your alfredo sauce even more delicious. Just remember to balance the richness of the sauce with your added ingredients, and you’ll be sure to have a delicious and satisfying meal.
What else can you add to fettuccine alfredo?
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish that consists of fettuccine noodles and a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce made with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese. However, if you want to add more flavor and variety to this classic dish, there are a few ingredients that you can incorporate.
One delicious addition to fettuccine Alfredo is seafood. Sautéed shrimp is a popular choice, and it adds a light and fresh taste to the rich and heavy Alfredo sauce. Blackened shrimp is another great option, as the spices and herbs in the blackening seasoning complement the creaminess of the sauce. Buttered salmon or crab can also be used, imparting a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well with the Alfredo sauce.
Another ingredient that can be used to add some zest to fettuccine Alfredo is sausage. Ground Italian sausage or andouille sausage are fantastic options that can add a bit of spice and flavor to the dish. The sausage pairs well with the creaminess of the sauce and gives the dish a heartier feel.
Additionally, vegetables can add some color, freshness, and nutrition to your fettuccine Alfredo dish. Spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, and tomatoes are all popular choices that can be lightly sautéed and then added to the dish. The vegetables provide a nice contrast to the creamy Alfredo sauce and add some texture and crunch.
By adding seafood, sausage, and vegetables, you can elevate classic fettuccine Alfredo into a more interesting and flavorful dish. Whether you’re looking for a lighter, fresher taste or a heartier, spicier flavor, incorporating these additions can take this simple Italian dish to the next level.
How do you make store bought Alfredo sauce thicker?
Alfredo sauce is a creamy, rich, and indulgent sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, including pasta, vegetables, and meat. While store-bought Alfredo sauce is a convenient option, it may not always have the desired thickness for some recipes. Fortunately, thickening store-bought Alfredo sauce is a simple and easy process that can be done with just a few ingredients.
The easiest way to thicken store-bought Alfredo sauce is by using a slurry made with cornstarch and water or any other liquid, such as milk. Start by mixing one tablespoon of cornstarch with water in a small bowl or measuring cup, whisking it until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. The ratio of cornstarch to water can be adjusted based on the amount of sauce you want to thicken. A good rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of cornstarch for every cup of sauce you have.
Next, place the Alfredo sauce in a pan, and heat it up over medium to medium-high heat. Once the sauce is hot, slowly whisk the slurry into it, being sure to blend it in completely. Whisking is essential to prevent clumping, and it’s recommended to use a small whisk or a fork to get the best results.
Continue cooking the sauce, stirring occasionally, while slowly adding more of the slurry mixture until you have reached your desired thickness. Keep in mind that the sauce may continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s best to add cornstarch slurry gradually rather than all at once. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or cream to adjust the consistency.
Thickening store-bought Alfredo sauce is a quick and easy process that involves creating a cornstarch slurry and whisking it into the sauce. By following these simple steps, you can achieve the desired thickness for your Alfredo sauce and create delicious, creamy dishes.
