Description
This low-carb, high-fat keto alfredo sauce gets its unique flavor from slow-roasted garlic and smoky paprika, offering a savory alternative to the classic dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole head garlic, approximately 50-60 grams
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, approximately 60 grams
- 1.5 cups heavy cream, approximately 360 ml
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, approximately 120 grams
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast Garlic Head: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle with the olive oil, wrap tightly in aluminum foil, and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are completely soft.
- Make Garlic Paste: Allow the roasted garlic to cool slightly. Squeeze the soft cloves from their skins into a small bowl and mash with a fork to form a smooth paste.
- Create Cream Base: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Whisk in Flavors: Add the mashed roasted garlic paste and smoked paprika to the simmering cream mixture, whisking until combined. Gradually incorporate the finely grated Parmesan cheese, adding small amounts at a time until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
- Season and Serve: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired thickness. Serve immediately with a garnish of fresh chives or parsley.
Notes
To avoid a grainy sauce, ensure the Parmesan cheese is finely grated and at room temperature before adding it to the cream mixture. If the sauce becomes lumpy, remove it from the heat and whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. To reheat leftovers, use low heat and whisk constantly, adding a splash of extra heavy cream or water to restore consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stove Top, Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 53 g
- Saturated Fat: 32 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Keto, Low Carb, Alfredo Sauce, Roasted Garlic, Smoked Paprika, Cream Sauce, Dinner, High Fat, Gluten Free