alfredo sauce without heavy cream

Here are some popular methods to make Alfredo sauce without heavy cream:

1. Using Light Cream, Cream Cheese, and Sour Cream:

• Heat 1 and 1/4 cups light (single) cream with smashed garlic on low heat.
• Add 2 tbsp full-fat cream cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup grated cheese.
• Stir until the cheese dissolves and sauce thickens.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
  This method yields a creamy sauce without heavy cream by using lighter dairy and cream cheese for thickness.

2. Using Butter, Flour (for roux), and Milk:

• Melt 1/4 cup butter and sauté minced garlic.
• Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour until lightly yellow (making roux).
• Gradually whisk in about 2 1/2 cups warm milk to avoid lumps.
• Cook until thickened, then stir in 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese.
• Season with salt and pepper.
  This classic approach uses milk instead of cream with a roux base to achieve creaminess and thickness.

3. Using Milk with Cornstarch:

• Heat 2 cups low-fat milk.
• Mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 3 tbsp cold water and whisk into hot milk.
• Stir until smooth and thickened.
• Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 3 tbsp low-fat cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Stir until smooth and creamy.
  Cornstarch helps thicken milk into a creamy base for the Alfredo sauce without cream.

4. Traditional Roman Style Without Cream:

• Use only butter, Parmesan cheese, and the starchy pasta water to emulsify a creamy sauce.
  This authentic method does not use any cream at all but still yields a silky sauce.

Each method provides a delicious Alfredo sauce alternative without heavy cream, suitable for tossing with pasta or other dishes, while being lighter or lower fat than the traditional heavy cream version. If preferred, a detailed recipe for one method can be provided.