Fettuccine Alfredo

🕒 Prep: 5 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Fettuccine Alfredo is the epitome of comfort food. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat. Let's dive into this simple yet luxurious recipe that will have you coming back for seconds!

Ingredients for Fettuccine Alfredo

Fettuccine pasta is the heart of the dish, providing the perfect vehicle for the creamy sauce. Choose a good quality pasta for the best texture. Unsalted butter is used to control the saltiness of the dish and adds a rich, decadent flavor. Heavy cream gives the sauce its luscious, creamy consistency. Parmesan cheese is the star of the show, offering a sharp, nutty flavor that ties everything together. Finally, a sprinkle of salt and black pepper enhances the flavors, and fresh parsley adds a touch of color and freshness for garnish.

Tips & Tricks

  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to thin it out.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
  • Warm your serving plates in the oven to keep the pasta hot longer.

Serving Suggestions

This Fettuccine Alfredo pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread also makes a great companion, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
It's best to use freshly grated Parmesan as it melts more smoothly, but pre-grated can work in a pinch.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
Heavy cream is recommended for the best texture, but you could use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version. Just be aware the sauce will be less rich.

Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually means it should still have a slight bite to it — not too soft. Once cooked, drain it and set it aside for a moment.

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. You want it to be completely melted but not browned, so keep an eye on it. Once the butter is melted, stir in the heavy cream. Let this mixture cook for about 2 minutes, just enough to warm through without boiling.

Next, gradually add the Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously as you add it to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the sauce remains smooth. This step is where the magic happens, transforming the butter and cream into a silky sauce.

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, Parmesan is naturally salty, so taste before you add too much salt.

Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently until every strand is coated in the rich, creamy sauce. This should only take a couple of minutes.

Finally, serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Rich, creamy texture that satisfies cravings for something indulgent.
  • Simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
  • Customizable with your favorite add-ins like chicken or broccoli.

Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine pasta
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente and drain.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to warm through.
4. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

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