In a pickle--about alfredo sauce!

[DisneyWhirled]

Hello friends!

Just as my title states, I'm kind of in a pickle. I have 40 people coming to my house on Saturday to celebrate my daughters First Communion/Confirmation.
We are having a pasta dinner (lasagna, ziti and meat balls, grilled chicken alfredo, salad and garlic bread). I had planned on getting the alfredo at The Olive Garden, but I called tonight and a pint is $5 and it only serves 4.

I know not everyone is going to eat that (with everything else we have), but I figure I need at least enough for 20 people. So, just the sauce is going to cost me $25!!

So, this brings me to my question, do any of you have a store bought alfredo that is really good you could suggest or maybe a yummy, easy recipe?

Please help!!

 

[yoopermom]

I'm sure it's easy to make (just not for me ). My DH/DS love it, and the cheapest I've found it readymade is at Super Walmarts who carry their own storebrand/generic version of it. I add a few spices and some parm cheese, and it's pretty decent.

Terri

 

[dawson5]

it's pretty simple to make (cream, parmesan and dash of nutmeg) but for that amount of people and things you need to get done, I would just grab a jar of the ready made stuff.

The easy recipe is we boil the noodles, drain and in the same pan add 8oz of shredded parmesan and small container of whipping cream, stir until melted and mixed. Add dash of nutmeg. I usually use one of the one pound boxes of pasta to that. I think a jar of sauce will cost you around $2. You'll pay $2 for store brand parmesan and about a $1 for the cream. In the long run the jar will save you money. Maybe check Sam's to see if they offer larger containers for less?

 

[aepecoraro]

I like the Ragu roasted garlic

 

[shortbun]

I like the Ragu roasted garlic

This is what we use and a jar is good for a lb. of pasta.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

We use the Classico alfredo sauce in a jar, and it's really good. We get it at Safeway for about $2 a jar, and it feeds 4 people easily.

 

[momofboyz]

We use the Classico alfredo sauce in a jar, and it's really good. We get it at Safeway for about $2 a jar, and it feeds 4 people easily.

I also use this and have never paid over $2 for a jar

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I hate the jarred stuff. Bleech. I would buck it up and pay the money for the good stuff for a Communion.

I have made all kinds of alfredo sauce. It would be cheaper to buy it from OG than make it. The cheese is expensive which is why it costs so much.

 

[PixieTopaz]

We use the Classico alfredo sauce in a jar, and it's really good. We get it at Safeway for about $2 a jar, and it feeds 4 people easily.

I would get 4-5 rotisserie chickens, deboned them. Saute some onion and celery in olive oil, add the jars of sauce and sprinkle with parmesan. Voila!

 

[Christine]

I hate the jarred stuff. Bleech. I would buck it up and pay the money for the good stuff for a Communion.

I have made all kinds of alfredo sauce. It would be cheaper to buy it from OG than make it. The cheese is expensive which is why it costs so much.

I'm on TMM's side!! I've tried all the jarred stuff and I really can't stand it. I guess that makes me a food snob? I would definitely not serve it at a party. I would probably just pay the $25.00, that's really not a bad price at all and you KNOW it will be good.

 

[Oglet]

I hate the jarred stuff. Bleech. I would buck it up and pay the money for the good stuff for a Communion.

I have made all kinds of alfredo sauce. It would be cheaper to buy it from OG than make it. The cheese is expensive which is why it costs so much.

I agree 100% Im a fan of making it yourself however by the time you buy everything needed to make it in that volume its probably just as cheap to buy it from Olive Garden.

 

[anniemae]

I would just buy the good stuff, especially for such a special occasion, or I would just delete the whole dish from the menu.

I hate most jarred sauces and would not serve it at a party, but that is because my family is Italian and makes sauces from scratch. If you do use the jarred sauce, make sure you make up a batch to test it to make sure it tastes good. Also, you can add stuff to make it taste better. But I say, go for the good stuff!

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

I hate the jarred stuff. Bleech. I would buck it up and pay the money for the good stuff for a Communion.

I have made all kinds of alfredo sauce. It would be cheaper to buy it from OG than make it. The cheese is expensive which is why it costs so much.

ITA. The jar stuff makes me gag. We've tried it all.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I'd pay the $25, you're already saving a lot by not having the party catered.

 

[Mermaid02]

I buy it from OG and frankly, I think it serves more than 4. We mix it in our pasta (not a scoop your own) and I think it goes further than they say.

Regardless, I have yet to find a jarred one that isn't disgusting- I'd pay the $$ !

 

[clutter]

I'm with the buy the OG sauce. Buy 4 pints (remember you have other dishes, too). The right cheese alone would cost you that much. Plus, I've TRIED to make alfredo on my own. Let me tell you, there are such varying degrees between recipes you'll need to test it first, then make it. Easily over $20 right there!

 

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Hate the stuff in the jar and I've tried many kinds. I make my own. I use half and half, parm. and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg and chopped garlic, a bit of butter and flour to thicken. Very easy to make.

 

[cydswipe]

BTW.... this is not DIET friendly..
In a saucepan... You want LOW heat, the whole time!!
1. Stick of Parkay, add blk pepper, to taste. Tsp of minced garlic
2. After Parkay is melted, add big block of cream cheese... stir until smooth.
3. Add 2 cups milk (of course, if you use Half and Half... it would be better)
** add a little bit at a time, whisk really well

4. Add 2/3 cup Parm cheese... I get Kraft brand (bag $3.29) in the cheese/dairy section... Do not use the green can!!!!! Add this slowly too


This does take a little bit of time, but the results are worth it. I can't stand the jar stuff. We don't eat Olive Garden, as I can MAKE the sauce myself!!

Good luck.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I know she can make the sauce but she is hosting a party. You are not going to "save" enough money to be worth the hassle.

 

[Creativebeth]

Google it. I found a recipe better than Olive Garden's, and it's not $25 to make. It's pretty simple. Cream, butter, garlic, parmesan cheese and some mozerella. Buy the store package of parm cheese, it's pretty cheap too.

Beth

The sauce recipe is done in 5 minutes.....doesn't need to simmer