Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce
Sun-Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce blends creamy, rich Alfredo with the bold, tangy flavors of sun-dried tomatoes. This flavorful sauce is perfect for pasta, chicken, or veggies, offering a deliciously smooth and savory twist on a classic favorite.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife for chopping garlic and sun-dried tomatoes
- Grater for Parmesan cheese
- Measuring spoons and cups
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and finely chopped (preferably in oil for added flavor)
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes, if available
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Cream and Milk: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring constantly. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, not a boil.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season the sauce with salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Oil: Add the finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sun-dried tomato oil from the jar. Stir until everything is well combined, and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you’d like more flavor, add extra sun-dried tomato oil, salt, or pepper.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce is ready, serve it over your favorite pasta or use it as a creamy base for other dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil for a fresh burst of flavor.
Notes
❖ Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Choose sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil for the best flavor. The oil not only helps bring out the richness of the tomatoes but also contributes to the overall taste of the sauce.
❖ Make It Lighter: For a lighter version of this sauce, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative. Just keep in mind the sauce may not be as rich.
❖ Customizations: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a handful of fresh basil to bring in a burst of freshness. If you love extra cheesy sauces, sprinkle in some extra Parmesan!