Simple Tips to Improve the Flavor of Jarred Alfredo

Here’s how to make jarred Alfredo sauce taste way better using simple ingredients you likely already have. 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.

One good recipe includes jarred Alfredo, chopped cooked chicken, minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and some spices. Feel free to add other things that sound good, and you’ll have a winner!

I highly recommend stocking up on jars of Alfredo sauce and marinara when they go on sale. And yes, it’s also easy to take a jar of marina and make it taste like homemade spaghetti sauce.

My husband and I love Alfredo nights. And since we don’t always have a lot of time at the end of the day, I make sure I have jars of sauce in the pantry that we can use as a base. I always wind up with a flavorful meal without sacrificing 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!

My Recipe to Improve the Flavor of Jar Alfredo

Please keep in mind that these are all my favorite flavors to add to jarred Alfredo sauce. Use all of them or substitute what you prefer.

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.

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

Many of the jarred Alfredo sauces are okay, but the seasonings are rather bland. 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. Sprinkle bacon bits over the top for a delightfully smoky flavor, extra protein, and a really nice presentation.

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. Not only do they add flavor, but they also provide color, making the dish even more appetizing.

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. If you like a milder cheese, try mozzarella. Or use a blend of mozzarella and parmesan.

Please keep in mind that cream cheese will thicken the sauce. Mozzarella will add a stringy texture and a gooey pull, which I like.

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.

Pasta Type

For Alfredo sauce, I prefer a flat pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine. I’ve also used egg noodles when that’s all I have in the pantry.

What to Serve with Chicken Alfredo

You can enjoy the chicken Alfredo by itself or make the meal even more special by adding some sides. Here are some dishes we enjoy with this delicious but easy pasta.

A yummy Mediterranean salad is practically made to serve alongside any Alfredo dish, with it tangy flavors and crunchy texture that enhance the meal. Another wonderful salad that pairs beautifully with chicken Alfredo is this Greek olive and feta salad.

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.

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.

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!