In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. If you’re using garlic, add the minced garlic to the butter and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the cream:
Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the butter. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the cream starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
Incorporate the Parmesan:
Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce:
Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. If desired, add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. Stir until everything is well combined.
Serve Immediately:
Serve the Alfredo sauce immediately while it's still warm and creamy. Toss it with your favorite pasta, and enjoy!
Notes
If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little more cream or pasta water.
For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.