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Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo is a classic Italian-American pasta dish featuring al dente fettuccine noodles tossed in a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting yet elegant recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering customizable options to suit various tastes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta (dried or fresh)

Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 12 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and gently simmer, stirring frequently to thicken slightly.
  3. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season well with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling evenly to each strand.
  5. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if using, and serve immediately while warm and luscious.

Notes

  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor; avoid pre-grated varieties.
  • Keep the sauce heat low to prevent curdling or separation.
  • Reserve pasta water because its starch helps the sauce bind to the noodles.
  • Cook pasta to al dente for best texture in the final dish.
  • Serve immediately as Alfredo sauce thickens upon cooling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Fettuccine Alfredo, creamy pasta, Italian pasta recipe, comfort food, quick pasta dish