Alfredo sauce has a delicious, creamy base that can be enhanced with the right choice of spices.
The good news?
You don’t have to be a master chef to take your Alfredo sauce game up a few notches—just add any one of these 13 amazing spices into the mix and you’re guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.
From garlic powder to ground pepper and everything in between, this collection has all the ingredients you need to create an unforgettable Alfredo sauce experience.
Read on for my top picks!
The Best Spices For Alfredo Sauce
Making a delicious Alfredo sauce requires more than just cream, butter, and parmesan cheese.
What really brings this creamy Italian classic to life is the right combination of herbs and spices—something every home cook should master.
Get ready for your taste buds to be tantalized by these 13 spices!
1. Garlic Powder
Garlic powder has a milder and sweeter flavor when compared to fresh garlic.
Its taste is not as intense or pungent, but still provides the same garlicky aroma.
To add the perfect balance of sweetness and savoriness to your Alfredo sauce, try adding 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every cup of sauce.
This will give your dish just enough depth without overpowering other flavors.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary has a strong and distinctive flavor that is lemony-pine-like, with hints of mint, sage, and pepper.
Its potent taste means that it should be used sparingly – try adding only 1/2 teaspoon to your Alfredo sauce for a subtle hint of flavor without overpowering the dish.
Rosemary pairs well with other herbs such as thyme and oregano, so feel free to experiment by adding more of these spices along with small amounts of rosemary for an even tastier result!
3. White Pepper
White pepper has a unique flavor that is musty, grassy, and somewhat fermented. It is considered to be milder than black pepper with subtle hints of ginger.
For Alfredo sauce, adding 1 teaspoon should bring out the right amount of flavor without overpowering the dish.
To pair well with this spice, garlic, parsley, oregano, and thyme are great ingredients to include in your recipe.
4. Anchovy Paste
Anchovy paste has a unique flavor that is salty and fishy, with a hint of sweetness from added sugar.
When adding it to Alfredo sauce, use only 1/2 teaspoon as too much can overpower the other flavors in the dish.
To enhance this savory ingredient, herbs like oregano, thyme, and parsley pair nicely with anchovy paste.
A pinch of crushed red pepper can also add a spicy kick to your recipe.
5. Salt and Pepper
Salt has a slightly salty, savory flavor that will enhance all of your dishes.
On its own, it may not be very flavorful but when added in small amounts can make a world of difference!
Pepper adds some heat and spice depending on what type you use — black pepper is most common — while white pepper or chili powder can add even more heat!
The key is knowing how much of each one you should use for optimal flavor without overpowering your dish.
When making Alfredo sauce, start off by adding just a pinch of salt and then adjust according to your personal tastes from there; usually no more than 1/4 teaspoon for every cup of sauce.
As for pepper, start off with about 1/2 teaspoon (or less) if using freshly ground black pepper; this should be enough for an entire batch unless you really like things spicy!
6. Parsley
When it comes to Alfredo sauce, parsley makes an excellent addition.
Depending on the size of your dish and how much you want parsley’s flavor to come through, adding 1-2 tablespoons should be more than enough.
This will give your Alfredo sauce an extra kick of flavor without overpowering the creamy base.
7. Basil
Basil is a highly aromatic herb with a unique flavor balance between sweet and savory. It has hints of mint, anise, and pepper as well.
Basil pairs well with many tomato-based dishes like pizza and spaghetti sauce, but it’s also great for seasoning meats and vegetables.
When adding basil to your Alfredo sauce, start off by using about one tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves per serving.
Taste the sauce after each addition until you hit the perfect balance for your taste buds!
Fresh basil can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days when stored in a damp paper towel in an airtight container.
Dried basil should be kept at room temperature in a sealed glass container away from light sources; this will ensure that it retains its flavor longer.
8. Oregano
Oregano is an incredibly aromatic and flavorful herb.
It has a strong, camphoraceous aroma that is slightly bitter with earthy, musty, green hay, and mint notes.
When adding oregano to your Alfredo sauce, you don’t need too much of it since its flavor can be quite intense.
Start off with about 1/4 teaspoon for every cup of sauce and adjust accordingly depending on how strong you want the flavor to be. You can always add more if needed!
9. Marjoram
Marjoram has a unique flavor that is both earthy and woodsy.
It also has notes of balsam-like pine, as well as citrus. The taste can be warm, sharp, and slightly bitter; it is similar to oregano and thyme but still distinctively its own.
If you are looking to add some marjoram to your Alfredo sauce, start by adding just a pinch or two – the powerful flavor of this herb means that a little goes a long way!
If you find it too strong for your taste then reduce the amount next time you make the dish.
On the other hand, if you’d like more flavor then add up to half a teaspoon for every cup of sauce.
Experiment with different amounts until you find what works best for your palate!
10. Thyme
Thyme has a sharp, almost minty flavor with a subtle sweetness and peppery aftertaste.
It is earthy with floral hints that make it the perfect addition to any dish.
Thyme also blends very well with other herbs, making it an essential ingredient in many dishes.
When adding thyme to Alfredo sauce, start off by adding 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves or 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves.
Taste as you go along so you can adjust the flavor until it’s just right for your taste buds!
Thyme adds an extra depth of flavor that makes Alfredo sauce even more delicious!
11. Paprika
Paprika is a type of spice that can vary in flavor depending on the variety you use.
Generally, it has a slightly sweet yet smoky flavor with notes of mild heat.
Some paprikas are spicier than others, while some have a more mellow taste.
Smoked paprika adds an extra depth of flavor to your dishes and may be spicier than regular paprika, so add accordingly—a little goes a long way!
When adding paprika to Alfredo sauce, start small and work up from there as needed – about 1/2 teaspoon should do the trick if you’re using regular or smoked paprika.
However, if you’re using hot-smoked or spicy varieties, adjust the amount according to your preference.
Give it a taste before adding any additional seasoning to make sure it fits your desired level of spiciness!
12. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has a hot and fiery taste that will definitely give your dishes an extra kick.
When adding cayenne to Alfredo sauce, keep in mind that a little goes a long way!
Start by adding small amounts at a time and tasting as you go until you get the desired level of heat.
A good rule of thumb is to start with 1/4 teaspoon and work your way up from there.
13. Red Pepper Flakes
Red pepper flakes add a unique flavor to any dish.
Although they don’t have too much of an individual flavor, they have a slightly sharp, earthy taste and can be quite spicy depending on how much you use.
When it comes to adding red pepper flakes to your Alfredo sauce, I recommend starting with one teaspoon and then increasing the amount gradually until you reach your desired level of spiciness.
Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the heat level so start small and adjust as needed!
If you want a milder version of Alfredo sauce, try using bell peppers or paprika instead of red pepper flakes.
Red pepper flakes are great for dishes that call for a kick – like pizza or spaghetti sauces – but if you’re not into spicy food, opt for something else.
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The 13 Best Spices For Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
- Garlic Powder
- Rosemary
- White Pepper
- Anchovy Paste
- Salt and Pepper
- Parsley
- Basil
- Oregano
- Marjoram
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Cayenne Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
- Pick your favorite spices from this collection to add to your Alfredo sauce recipe.
- Prepare the rest of your meal.
- Enjoy in no time!
Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.