Name: Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz fettuccine pasta; Salt (for pasta water, to taste); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Description

This classic Fettuccine Alfredo recipe features tender pasta coated in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and garlic. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an indulgent Italian main course that’s perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta

12 oz fettuccine pasta
Salt (for pasta water, to taste)

For the Alfredo Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

To Garnish

Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles.
Finish cooking: Cook the pasta in the sauce for another 1–2 minutes over low heat until thoroughly heated and well combined.
Serve: Plate the Fettuccine Alfredo immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.

Notes

For added protein or flavor, try mixing in cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or steamed broccoli.
Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese is key to achieving the creamiest texture and best flavor.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired consistency.
Do not overcook the garlic to avoid a bitter taste.