Fettuccine Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring wide, flat fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich, creamy, and buttery Parmesan cheese sauce. Simple yet indulgent, this recipe is quick to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers comforting flavors perfect for a family meal or a special occasion.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Pasta
Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (optional, minced)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, chopped)
- Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well but reserve one cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. If using garlic, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture simmers gently and starts to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Lower the heat and gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce without clumps.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat every strand evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Finish the dish with freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the creamiest, richest sauce rather than pre-grated varieties.
- Cook pasta just until al dente to ensure a perfect bite and avoid sogginess.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and bind the sauce smoothly to the noodles.
- Stir the sauce continuously during preparation to prevent clumping and maintain a silky texture.
- Serve the dish immediately as Alfredo sauce thickens upon standing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Fettuccine Alfredo, Italian pasta, creamy pasta sauce, Parmesan Alfredo, easy pasta dinner, comfort food, gluten-free pasta option