If you’re looking for the best fettuccine Alfredo recipe, you’ve come to the right place! I still remember the first time my son, Jake, tried fettuccine Alfredo at a family gathering. He declared it the ‘best pasta ever’ and has been a fan ever since. This easy fettuccine Alfredo recipe is sure to win over your loved ones too, with its creamy white Alfredo sauce that’s simply irresistible.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s super easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- The creamy white Alfredo sauce is rich and delicious.
- You can customize it with your favorite ingredients.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that kids and adults both adore.
Pure Comfort
Fettuccine Alfredo is pure comfort food. The creamy sauce clings to each strand of pasta, creating a warm hug in every bite. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table, sparking laughter and joy. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special occasion, this dish feels like home.
What You Need
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta – You can substitute with linguine or spaghetti.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Use olive oil for a lighter version.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced – Feel free to add more for extra flavor.
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Pecorino Romano works well too.
- to taste salt – Add freshly cracked black pepper for a kick.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Basil can be used for a different flavor.
Time to Cook
Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 15 minutes | Total: 25 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat.
Steps to Make It
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. The smell of boiling pasta is delightful!
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it sizzle until it’s foamy, then add the minced garlic. Stir for about a minute until it’s fragrant, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally and watch as it thickens slightly, creating that luscious Alfredo sauce we all love.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and combines with the cream. The sauce should be creamy and smooth, coating the back of a spoon nicely.
- Once the pasta is done, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest. Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Finally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving. The vibrant green adds a lovely touch to your creamy dish!
Make It Perfect
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should have a slight bite to it.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If the sauce separates, whisk in a bit more cream or pasta water to bring it back together.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Make sure to serve it immediately for the creamiest experience!
Mix It Up
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Mix in some spinach for a pop of color and nutrients.
- Try a dash of nutmeg for a warm, aromatic twist.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a light side.
- A glass of white wine complements this dish beautifully.
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FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze fettuccine Alfredo?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze the sauce separately for up to 2 months.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fettuccine.
Conclusion
This best fettuccine Alfredo recipe is not just easy to make, but it’s also a dish that brings everyone together. With its creamy white Alfredo sauce, it’s bound to become a family favorite. So gather your loved ones, whip up this delightful meal, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Best Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe with Creamy White Alfredo Sauce
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Main
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta Can substitute with linguine or spaghetti
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter Use olive oil for a lighter version
- 1 cup heavy cream Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced; add more for extra flavor
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated; Pecorino Romano works well too
- to taste salt Add freshly cracked black pepper for a kick
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped; basil can be used for different flavor
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foamy, then add minced garlic and stir for about a minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently, stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts and combines smoothly with the cream.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and add it to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.