Simple Tips to Improve the Flavor

Can you make jar Alfredo sauce better? Absolutely! And it’s so much easier than you think. I love using convenience foods for the base of a recipe and adding things that enhance the flavor.

In this post, I’ll share tips on improving the flavor of store-bought Alfredo sauce. From adding spices and herbs to incorporating vegetables and protein, these simple and cost-effective methods will elevate your Alfredo sauce to new heights. So next time you see your favorite brand on sale, stock up!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients I use:

• Alfredo sauce (15 ounce jar)
• Chopped cooked chicken (leftovers, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken)
• Minced garlic (either fresh or jarred)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Red bell pepper (either chopped or sliced)
• Chopped chives (optional, for garnish)

Note: If you have to eat gluten-free food, read the ingredients on the jar of Alfredo sauce.

If you would like to print this recipe, please go to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Directions

First, pour the contents of the jar of Alfredo sauce into a medium saucepan. Turn the burner up to medium-high heat. As soon as the sauce begins to bubble, turn the heat down to low.

Add the ingredients you want. I added the chicken minced garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder. Turn the burner up to medium-low heat. Continue to cook until the mixture is hot, stirring frequently. Serve over fettuccini or your favorite pasta. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with the red bell pepper and chives.

More Easy Tips

Here are some of my thoughts on how to improve jarred Alfredo sauce:

Thin Out the Sauce

If the sauce is too thick, add some broth to thin it out. You can also use cream, milk, broth, or pasta water. I prefer to use heavy cream for the richness.

Thicken the Sauce

If you want the sauce to be thicker, simmer it until some of the moisture evaporates. Be careful not to scorch it, so simmer on low heat. Another option is to add a cornstarch slurry.

Add Seasonings

Look at the list of ingredients on the jar, then add more of your favorite. For example if it has a little bit of garlic, try adding more. The same goes for oregano, Italian seasoning, or any other ingredient. If you like a little heat, add a dash or two of cayenne.

Add Meat

When I made the one in the picture at the top, I added chicken. I typically cut the meat into bite-size pieces, but you don’t have to do that. It’s also good with shrimp, pork, or even beef.

Add Vegetables

For a complete meal, also known as one-pot meal, chop or shred some vegetables into the sauce. Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, and even fresh tomatoes are good options.

Add Color

Brighten the sauce by adding some color. My favorite thing to add is a mixture of peppers in various colors. Tomatoes are also good for extra color.

Cheese It Up

You can also add some cream cheese or even shredded cheddar. Start with an ounce or two and add more if needed.

Add Wine

A bit of white wine delivers richness to your Alfredo, but red wine will change the color. This is a great way to add flavor without dulling the color of the sauce.

Alfredo Sauce Pizza

Have you ever tried pizza with Alfredo sauce? If not, I highly recommend it! As with any of the other things you can do with jar Alfredo sauce, you can add any other seasonings you enjoy.

It’s good with your favorite meat, such as chicken, sausage, or pepperoni. Also chop up some veggies on top for a full, delicious dining experience!

Then There’s Bacon

Yes, I did just mention bacon because … well, we all know that bacon makes everything better. Seriously, if you’re looking for a way to make a savory food taste better, try adding bacon. I use leftover bacon or even packaged bacon bits.

Mix Your Sauces

Something else I like to do is mix Alfredo with red sauce to create a whole new flavor sensation. One that we especially like is this delicious pasta and meatballs dish that I make in my Dutch oven.

You can also try mixing Alfredo sauce with different salad dressings. I use a lot of Catalina dressing to add some extra zing to … well, to almost anything.

How to Serve Alfredo Sauce on Pasta

My husband and I like fettuccini Alfredo. Since I have a gluten sensitivity, I get fettuccini pasta that’s gluten-free. You can serve this however you like, but I’ve found this to be the best way to serve this easy recipe.

After cooking the pasta and putting it on the plate or in the bowl, I scoop some pasta sauce (in this case, Alfredo sauce) over it. Then I top it with parmesan or a blend of parmesan and Romano. 

Or, if you prefer, you can mix the pasta into the Alfredo sauce. For a baked dish, mix all of it and put it in a greased baking dish. Top it with mozzarella cheese and pop it into a 350˚ oven. Bake it until the cheese on top melts and then serve it hot.

It’s always good to enjoy any pasta dish with a side salad or steamed vegetable. My husband also enjoys a slice of crusty Italian bread with butter. 

Get Creative with Your Alfredo Sauce

Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you like Alfredo sauce but consider the jarred version too bland … or simply not to your taste, doctor it up. You just might discover that it turns out even better than what you’ll get at your favorite Italian restaurant.

Please feel free to share!