Description
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring tender fettuccine noodles enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This comforting and indulgent recipe is quick and simple to make, perfect for beginners and pasta lovers alike, delivering a velvety texture and balanced flavors that bring a touch of Italian elegance to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (fresh or dried)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the fettuccine pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta but reserve a cup of pasta water for the sauce.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. If using garlic, add finely chopped garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the butter. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, gently stirring to thicken the mixture.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss gently to coat each strand evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Plate your Fettuccine Alfredo right away for best taste and texture, garnishing as desired to elevate its appearance and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor; pre-grated cheese contains additives that affect melting.
- Keep the sauce warm but avoid boiling after adding cheese to maintain a smooth texture.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling perfectly to the noodles.
- Choose high-quality butter and heavy cream as they form the flavor backbone of the dish.
- Serve the pasta immediately since Alfredo sauce thickens as it cools.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Fettuccine Alfredo, Italian pasta, creamy pasta, classic Alfredo sauce, easy Alfredo recipe, homemade Alfredo
