The roots of this delicious sauce extend deep into Italian history, though that hasn't hindered its immense popularity among people the world over. After all, who can resist fresh pasta tossed in rich butter, cream and cheese?

Did you know you can incorporate this rich and creamy sauce into more than pasta? Who can argue with the original purpose—bathing a plate of al dente pasta? But, there are many more tasty ways to use this creamy sauce.

We’re seeing it all the time now as a pizza base. Chicken Alfredo is my favorite pizza. But wait, there’s much more. Spread Alfredo on pizza or slathered over pasta, that’s only the beginning. This versatile and delicious sauce is sure to make it back to your plate time and time again.

I found these ideas while thumbing through old copies of some Woman’s Day magazines at our local thrift store. I was consistently awed by the clever meal time ideas that kept showing up. It was in the April 2010 issue that I found these recipes using Alfredo sauce. I’ve since decided these suggestions aren’t just clever, they’re truly scrumptious! See what you think:

Start with the above-mentioned potatoes au gratin. Whether you make your Alfredo from scratch or turn to a store-bought brand, just add a couple cups of shredded cheese to it and pour it between and over layers of thinly sliced potatoes. Bake for about an hour at 350 degrees and you have an easy and amazing side dish.

Another super fast and easy dish involves that bag of frozen tortellini you see in your local Costco or Sam’s Club. Follow the cooking directions on the bag. While the tortellini is cooking, sauté some favorite veggies (I go for cauliflower, broccoli, red bell pepper, and sliced carrots). When veggies are just under-done, add your Alfredo sauce. And when the pasta is cooked to your taste, drain and place in a large serving bowl. Mix in the Alfredo sauce and veggies. Serve with shredded Parmesan cheese and get ready for the raves!

Make a meal out of your baked potato by skipping the sour cream and loading it up with mushrooms, red peppers, green peas and, of course, the Alfredo sauce.

One of the ultimate comfort foods has to be Cauliflower and Squash Gratin. To make this, butter a gratin dish or other shallow baking dish and fill with a layer of diced cauliflower and butternut squash. Cover the vegetables with a decadent blanket of Alfredo sauce and Gruyère cheese that's topped off with a crunchy bread crumb topping. Whether side dish or main dish, it’s simply wonderful and so filling.

Finally, if you're a bit weary of traditional lasagna, simply substitute Alfredo sauce for the proverbial marinara sauce. Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a flavor and texture surprise and see if it isn’t a crowd pleaser.

So while traditional Fettuccine Alfredo will likely always be at the top of our FAVORITES list, it’ll be fun to give this wonderful sauce a chance to wear other hats. Please let us know if you come up with any new uses as well. OH…just thought of one: how about as the base for a pasta and veggie soup? (See how the ideas just keep coming?)