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Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo

This easy Fettuccine Alfredo recipe offers a rich, creamy, and comforting Italian pasta dish made with simple pantry ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines tender fettuccine noodles with a luscious, velvety Alfredo sauce made from butter, heavy cream, garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals, it’s a timeless classic that can be customized with proteins or vegetables to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces fettuccine pasta (fresh or dried)

Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and gently sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Add cream and simmer: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Let it thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Parmesan: Slowly whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a glossy, smooth consistency.
  6. Serve immediately: Plate the pasta while hot. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, extra Parmesan cheese, and cracked black pepper if desired for an irresistible presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting.
  • Keep the cream mixture at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling the sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency and help the sauce adhere better to the noodles.
  • Serve the Alfredo immediately, as the sauce thickens and loses creaminess upon cooling.
  • Taste and adjust the salt and pepper gradually to enhance flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fettuccine Alfredo, creamy pasta, easy pasta recipe, Italian pasta, comfort food, Alfredo sauce, quick dinner