Easy and Quick Fettuccine Alfredo that takes just 15 minutes to make! This family favorite recipe includes fettuccine, garlic, parmesan, and whipping cream and is sure to become a go-to dinner idea!
This classic dinner is quick and perfect for picky eaters! Add some chicken to make this even heartier or for a crowd, our Alfredo Casserole is also a must-make. You can never go wrong with this simple meal!
QUICK + EASY = WIN!
Fettuccine Alfredo happens to be one of the recipes that everyone has a version of. It also happens to be one of my kids’ favorite dinner recipes.
My kids love chicken but not all of them love chicken mixed in, so I thought I would make this easy fettuccine without it (although Baked Chicken or Parmesan Crusted Chicken would be great with this pasta dish).
The recipe is the best and ends up making a delicious Alfredo sauce that everyone loves. And did I mention that it can be made in about 15-20 minutes?
Quick and easy – my favorite kind of meal!
What’s the Difference?
What’s the difference between Alfredo and Fettuccine?
- Alfredo is the Italian-American white sauce we all know and love.
- Fettuccine is the long, skinny pasta most of us like to enjoy with our Alfredo sauce.
Most pastas work well with this delicious white sauce, but apart from Fettuccine, you can also use Linguine or Penne Pastas.
What’s the difference between Alfredo Sauce and White Sauce (Bechamel)?
Both sauces are dairy-based, but White Sauce is thickened with a roux made with butter and flour while Alfredo Sauce uses heavy creamy and is thickened by reduction on the stovetop and not with a roux.
The good thing is both are delicious and both are winners with the family because they’re so yummy!
Homemade Sauce
To make this homemade Alfredo sauce recipe, you only need a few ingredients including:
- butter
- minced garlic
- whipping cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- garlic pepper (with Parsley flakes) and salt
COOK. The sauce is made by melting 2 tablespoons unsalted butter and then adding the minced garlic to a large skillet on LOW-MEDIUM heat. Let this cook for about a minute and then whisk in the whipping cream.
SIMMER. Bring this to a simmer and then add the Parmesan cheese. The sauce will thicken up.
NOODLES. While you are making the sauce, cook up the fettuccine noodles according to package directions in a large pot. After boiling, drain water and add to sauce. Season with garlic salt and pepper.
You can also mixed in cooked veggies (broccoli is our fav) or top with cooked chicken or shrimp if desired. Garnish or sprinkle with fresh herbs (fresh Parsley, Thyme, etc) to make the dish look even more delicious.
FAQ
How to thicken Alfredo sauce? We typically add a little bit more Parmesan cheese which does the trick, but you can also add flour. To make it more thick and cheesy, you can also add ½ – 1 cup shredded Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese before serving.
How to thin Alfredo sauce? You can always add a little pasta water or more heavy cream to thin the sauce.
How to make without cream? If you’re wanting a lighter version of fettuccine alfredo you can substitute the heavy cream. Some good substitutions for heavy cream are milk, half ‘n half, greek yogurt, or cream cheese.
How long does Alfredo last in the fridge? Place your fettuccine Alfredo pasta in an airtight container or covered bowl when you’re ready to store it in the fridge. For best results and taste quality it can stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.
It’s a little tricky but it’s best to reheat it slowly over low heat. Low and slow over the stove. This will help prevent the sauce from separating. Make sure to stir it continuously to keep the sauce together. You can even add a little bit more cream to freshen it up a bit.
Can it be frozen? In my personal opinion, I wouldn’t freeze leftover fettuccine Alfredo. For the best flavor and quality, it should be eaten right away.
If you need to make this recipe ahead of time you could freeze the Alfredo sauce separately from the pasta. Then thaw it when you’re ready to serve and eat. Make fresh pasta to go with the frozen Alfredo sauce.
what to serve with fettuccine
When it comes to sides for this dish, most Italian-style appetizers, sides and salads work. Here are some of our favorites we like to serve with Fettuccine.
Definitely one of our favorite dinner recipes, and we hope you love it as much we do!!
For more pasta dishes, check out:
- Three Cheese Pasta Bake
- Chicken Scallopini
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Italian Sausage Pasta
- Chicken Alfredo
- Cheesy Mac and Cheese
- Sausage Alfredo
Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine pasta
- 2 TB butter
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 tsp garlic pepper
Instructions
- Cook noodles as directed on package.
- While noodles are cooking, add 2 TB butter to a pan and let melt. Add minced garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes.
- Add whipping cream and bring to a simmer. Add 1 cup Parmesan Cheese and mix well. (Sauce will thicken up)
- Add pasta and mix until covered. Top with garlic pepper (salt if needed) and more Parmesan Cheese.
Video
Recipe modified from Love, Pomegranate House.
Perfect, quick easy sauce.
Yay! So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
This is the simplest recipe. My family always welcomes it when I make this for dinner! So creamy and garlicky!
Thanks a lot for this amazing and super easy to make beef barley recipe! It’s really tasty and very flavorful! Will surely have this again! Highly recommended!
Hello
I just want to let you know
I have tried many of your recipes
and I like them a lot. Thank you 😊
Awe, that makes me so happy! Thanks so much for trying them out. I’m glad you enjoy the recipes!
Can you use Kraft powder Parmesan with the green lid?
I prefer using fresh! It’s SO tasty!
Quick, easy and delicious. Paired with grilled shrimp, arugula salad and garlic bread. Just perfect.
I love this recipe! So happy that I found you!
The best Sauce! I’m so happy that I found you! It’s definitely a 5 Stars!