Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine Alfredo is the ultimate creamy pasta dish that never fails to comfort and satisfy. With tender fettuccine coated in a rich, buttery Parmesan sauce, it’s a simple Italian-American classic that I turn to when I want something indulgent and effortless. I love how quickly it comes together with just a few staple ingredients—and yet it tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What I love most about Fettuccine Alfredo is how luxurious it tastes despite being so easy to make. The sauce is velvety and cheesy, clinging to every strand of pasta. I can whip it up in under 30 minutes, and it’s perfect on its own or as a base for proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp. It’s always a hit at the dinner table, whether I’m serving guests or just craving comfort food.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fettuccine pasta
• Unsalted butter
• Heavy cream
• Garlic (optional, for extra flavor)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. I reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

In a large skillet or saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat. If I’m using garlic, I sauté it gently until fragrant.

I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.

Once the cream is warm, I reduce the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese a little at a time until melted and smooth. I season with salt and black pepper to taste.

I add the cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce, tossing to coat every strand. If the sauce is too thick, I stir in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the consistency I like.

I serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if I have it on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to make it heartier.

For a garlicky twist, I infuse the butter with minced garlic before adding the cream.

I occasionally stir in frozen peas or baby spinach for a pop of color and freshness.

When I want a lighter version, I swap some of the cream for whole milk—but I keep in mind it won’t be quite as rich.

I’ve also used other pasta shapes like tagliatelle or linguine when I don’t have fettuccine on hand.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. I avoid microwaving it for too long, as that can cause the sauce to separate.

This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, so I prefer to enjoy it fresh or within a couple of days.

FAQs

Can I make Alfredo sauce without cream?

Yes, I’ve made it with milk and butter thickened slightly with flour, but the traditional flavor and texture are best with heavy cream.

Why is my sauce grainy?

This usually happens if the Parmesan isn’t finely grated or if it’s added when the cream is too hot. I add the cheese gradually over low heat for the smoothest result.

What’s the best cheese for Alfredo?

I always use freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano—it melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, but I reheat it slightly and toss it with a little oil or butter before adding to the sauce so it doesn’t clump.

How do I thicken the sauce?

I let it simmer a bit longer or add more Parmesan. I also use reserved pasta water to adjust the texture without diluting the flavor.

Conclusion

Fettuccine Alfredo is a timeless classic I never get tired of making. It’s rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, with flavors that are both comforting and elegant. Whether I’m preparing it for a quiet dinner or dressing it up with toppings, this dish always delivers a warm, delicious bowl of happiness.

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