One of the most popular sauces for pasta, shrimp, and many other things, is the classic Alfredo. The ingredients are straightforward, and making it's really quite easy.

Start with four tbsp. of butter melted in a pan. Add the flour and stir constantly until smooth and cooked, which should take about 3 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of cream and 1 cup of chicken broth into the pan, blending well after each addition so your sauce stays smooth and without lumps.

Now add 1 cup of shredded cheeses (a blend of varieties if you like), 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp. of dried parsley (or fresh in season), and 1/4 cup white wine. Your personal tastes will dictate how much garlic to use, but 3-5 cloves is average. Some people also add a dash of freshly grated nutmeg. Continue to stir until completely smooth, then pour over your dish, and bake as directed in the recipe.

You can reduce the carbohydrate content by replacing the cheeses and liquids with 3 1/2 cups of heavy cream, and only 3 tbsp. of Parmesan. Other health-conscious variations include reduced calories and fat, by replacing the heavy cream with skim milk, and using unsalted butter.