Description
This classic Fettuccine Alfredo recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and velvety Italian pasta dish made fast and easily in under 30 minutes. Featuring simple pantry ingredients like butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dish creates a luscious sauce that perfectly coats tender fettuccine noodles. Ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, and customizable to suit dietary preferences, it’s a comforting and indulgent pasta favorite anyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water to use later for adjusting the sauce consistency.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Add Cheese and Season: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is melted, smooth, and creamy. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, balancing the flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and create a silky, glossy finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a bright, fresh touch. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own cheese for superior flavor and better melting.
- Don’t Overheat the Sauce: Keep the heat medium-low to prevent the cream from breaking or curdling.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps thin the sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta.
- Cook Pasta Just Right: Al dente noodles provide optimal texture and sauce absorption.
- Butter Quality Matters: Use high-quality unsalted butter for richness without added salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Fettuccine Alfredo, Italian pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, homemade Alfredo sauce