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Everyone has a recipe for this classic pasta dish, but we think our easy Fettuccine Alfredo recipe is the BEST for busy weeknights AND feeding the pickiest of eaters. Why? It has loads of flavor (and cheese) and is on the dinner table in about 30 minutes. It’s a family favorite that is delicious and very kid-friendly.
This recipe only requires basic ingredients (another major selling point), but you can add your favorite protein options and seasonings to make it your own! Our family loves adding chicken or chicken sausage, and when we’re feeling spicy, we throw in some red pepper flakes.
Serve our homemade fettuccine Alfredo with our favorites like Fried Zucchini, Garlic Bread, or Roasted Vegetables.
For more delicious and creamy Alfredo recipes, check out Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo, and Sausage Alfredo.
Why we think you’ll love it:
- It’s simple! From start to finish, this recipe can be made in about 30 minutes.
- Easy to add to. Add your favorite veggies or meat, like sausage or chicken, to make a delicious Sausage Alfredo or Chicken Alfredo.
- Great for even picky kids! Even our most finicky eaters love this dish, which means it’s the PERFECT dinner idea for kids!
Fettuccine Alfredo Ingredients
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta – or linguine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – If using salted butter, skip adding any additional salt.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic – from a jar or fresh, see How to Mince Garlic
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream – We highly recommend whipping cream, but whole-fat milk or half-and-half does work too. For a lighter and/or dairy-free option use a plant-based substitute, but the texture will be slightly different.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- seasonings – salt, garlic salt with parsley flakes (our favorite), garlic pepper or black pepper, and fresh herbs to top off, including basil, thyme, and rosemary
- optional veggies – steamed broccoli florets, sliced (sauteed) mushrooms, fresh spinach, asparagus spears, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini
- optional protein – shrimp, chicken, or sausage
How to Make Fettuccine Alfredo
STEP 1. PASTA. In a large pot, boil and drain 1 pound of fettuccine noodles according to the package instructions (until al dente).
STEP 2. SAUCE. While the noodles are cooking, add butter to a large skillet or pan on low to medium heat and let melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
STEP 3. Add heavy whipping cream and bring it to a simmer. Lastly, add Parmesan cheese and mix well on low heat. (Sauce will thicken up.)
STEP 4. SERVE. Add cooked pasta to the cream mixture and stir until covered. Top with garlic, pepper, or your chosen seasonings (salt if needed) and more Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy!
Easy Alfredo Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package fettuccine
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ½ teaspoon garlic pepper
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat to melt. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan and mix well. Cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to mix. Top with garlic pepper and salt, and sprinkle with more cheese if desired.
Notes
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste and texture of your Alfredo sauce.
- This is easy and delicious on its own, but it’s also easy to add protein or veggies.
- Adding a splash of pasta water to the sauce can help to emulsify it and make it creamier. For more tips, see BEST Alfredo Sauce.
- Thin sauce. Adding a bit more Parmesan cheese typically does the trick to thicken the sauce. You can also simmer a bit longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
- Thick sauce. You can always add a little pasta cooking water or more heavy cream to thin the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Kristyn’s Recipe Tips
- Fresh, high-quality ingredients will make a big difference in the taste and texture of your Alfredo sauce.
- Add the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly, to ensure that it melts evenly and doesn’t clump.
- This is easy and delicious on its own, but it’s also easy to add protein or veggies.
- Adding a splash of pasta water to the sauce can help to emulsify it and make it creamier. For more tips, see BEST Alfredo Sauce.
Recipe FAQ
Place in an airtight container(s) and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or put it in a freezer Ziploc, remove as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.
It’s best to reheat it slowly over low heat on the stove. This will help prevent the sauce from separating. Make sure to stir it continuously to keep the sauce together. Add a splash of milk or heavy cream to smooth it up a bit, if needed.
Complete The Meal
Sides
Alfredo Sauce Recipes
Desserts
Panna Cotta Recipe
4 hrs 10 mins
Chocolate Mousse
2 hrs 20 mins
Fruit Tart
50 mins
Italian Cookies
1 hr 20 mins
Collections
This recipe was originally published March 2014.
Recipe modified from Love, Pomegranate House.
Honestly, this is our go to recipe I have come back to again and again for years. The only change we make to the recipe itself is totally preference but is more garlic. The sauce can be a bit rich so planning the rest of the meals for the week is important! Always great to be able to control the ingredients going in as a diabetic — in which, I do not use fettuccini noodles but rather put this over some oven roasted cauliflower and add grilled chicken – you won’t regret it, even my pasta loving husband enjoys the switch-up. We also add other veggies as desired to the sauce at the times, (brocolli, mushrooms – combo therein – peas, etc.) but not always.
I’m so glad you love it so much. Thanks for letting me know!
Perfect! Not to thick and not too salty!
So happy you liked it!
I am torn! For years I made this a simple way, nuke left over noodles with butter then added quality parmesan shreds and maybe pepper. My husband always thought it was a treat. Now, if I make your recipe I may never get away with my easy hack.
Your recipe looks easy enough, I am going to try it. Not really much more difficult is it? Taste and flavor are more important.
Well if you do give our recipe a try, you’ll have to let us know how you like it! 🙂
This sauce is so easy to make, it’s my go to for dinners. Fast, good, and kid friendly.
I didn’t like it
Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try.
This recipe came out great and was a breeze to make. Thanks so much, we really enjoyed it. 🙂
Fettuccine Alfredo is one of my all-time favorite dishes. This recipe made it so easy it was creamy and buttery and I can’t wait to make it again! It was delicioso!
Simple and delicious! Just the way I like it! Served it with mild Italian sausage, tuscan flavored broccoli florets (from frozen) and garlic bread. Will definitely make this again!
I really like anything pasta. I think I was Italian in another life.
So easy & yummy
Thanks for the easy recipe. When I fix spaghetti for the grandkids, I want to offer alfredo and red sauce to please all the individual tastes. Plus I like to mix it with the red sauce. It is good to know it freezes well.
Very tasty & much healthier than traditional Alfredo recipes
I am eating this as I’m writing. East to make, and quite delicious. Very full of flavor. Thanks, jeff
You’re welcome! Thanks for giving the recipe a try. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
We made this last night to celebrate my son’s graduation. It has been his favorite dish for quite some time <3
This Alfredo was so delicious and so simple to make. Can’t wait to make this again!
I can’t get enough of this! Soooo rich and creamy.
Looks delicious!!!!
Love this recipe, I have made it numerous times.
Always love your recipes, I’ve only ever used your baking recipes so it was fun to try out this one! Can’t wait to make it again. Only thing I would change is I’d add some salt and herbs!!
I added chicken and mushrooms, it turned out delicious
Delicious, quick to make, super easy. I added cooked shrimp to it. Yummy 😋
Highly recommend this recipe ❤️
Love the recipe and it’s a dinner favorite. Are there any ideas why my sauce is not as creamy as others describe? I follow the instructions but it seems more watery than described.
So the sauce will thicken as it simmers. Make sure it has simmered for an adequate amount of time. If it still isn’t thickening, you can always add more parmesan cheese. Or, measure out 1/4 cup of sauce, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of flour, then return to the sauce. Hope that helps!
This has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. This is easy to make and so good.
This is my go to recipe for Fettuccine Alfredo…my family loves it! Thanks!
I can’t believe this recipe achieved such a great level of creaminess with a mere 2 Tbsp of butter- I saw other recipes that called for a CUP (or even more) butter!! Eww. So I won’t go so far to call this healthy lol but it’s great for an occasional comforting splurge. PS My tip is to buy top quality pasta – you’ll be shocked at the difference, it’s worth the money!
This recipe was a hit with our family! So easy to make and delicious too! Definitely will be making this again!
Love love love this recipe. This is my go to when I make pasta. My entire family loves it. It is so easy to make and you can add anything to it. I’ve done broccoli, chicken, and shrimp. This is restaurant quality.
this recipe is easy and so good
My husband’s favorite
My grandkids love this fettuccine Alfredo and ask me to make it often. It is very easy and tasty.
Delicious creamy sauce. I didn’t have the garlic pepper, so I just added a little extra garlic for the sauce and topped with chopped parsley. Family really enjoyed the flavor of the sauce. A definite keeper..
Simply the best! Making family dinners that our 1 year old and 3 year old boys will eat is sometimes a challenge. We never have leftovers with this and it’s on our menu rotation at home for good! Thank you for such a great recipe! 💕
My family really liked this and so did I. Thanks for another winning recipe. I especially like that it has easy to find ingredients and is quick and easy to prepare.
So glad to hear you all enjoyed the alfredo! Thanks for giving it a try!
Love this. It happens to be my family’s favorite. They completely were over the moon, they loved the sauce. They requested to have it for dinner the next day. I had no leftovers so I had to make some more. Great recipe, definitely a keeper.
Very bland. Unsalted. Do not recommend at all.
Thanks for the feedback and for giving the recipe a try.
Making this for friends tomorrow ths for post sounds delicious
Just tried this recipe, what do you recommend for saving? I’m trying to meal prep so I was thinking making the pasta to serving and saving the sauce by itself to make it easier to heat back up?
That’s a great idea! You could save them both separately and then heat up, mix and serve when you’re ready to eat it.
This recipe put the one that I did on my own to shame. I knew something was missing and just could not get it right. This recipe deserves 10 stars in my opinion. I put a little too much salt in mine but for left overs tomorrow I will add water and cream to warm it up on the stove which should fix it. You must use this recipe!
Oh I’m so glad to hear you loved the alfredo! Thanks for sharing!
Alfredo does NOT have cream of any kind.
This is kind of nonsense: cream or no cream!
Lidia Matticchio Bastianich knows a few things about Italian cooking and check her recipe for Alfredo (she uses cream).
She explains the background very nicely and how the original started and why some add cream.
You can always vary the amount of sauce to your liking.
So easy, and tastes amazing!
This is Amazing!! I’ve made it quite a bit with homemade rolls! It’s usually always gone afterwards. No leftovers. I have company coming tonight so I wanna double the recipe. Is it best to make it twice to equal doubling the recipe? I know that sometimes, doubling all at once can mess things up.
Sorry for all the “doubling”. Lol!
Yep, that should work just fine to double the ingredients all together. So glad you enjoy the alfredo!
Followed directions exactly only because i had all the ingredients. Absolutely delicioso !! Molto Grazie
I’m glad you had the ingredients! So happy you enjoyed the recipe!
This recipe was fairly easy and smells delicious… we’ll see… I’ll report back 😁
Recipe sounds great! Can I substitute condensed milk for the cream?
Eww! No!
Can I make this with store bought sauce and cook it in a crockpot? Need to take this for a church group dinner at church.
For sure!! Use whatever you like 🙂 Hope it’s a hit!!
This is a great recipe thank you for posting
This fettuccine alfredo is delicious! Super easy weeknight recipe! Will absolutely be adding to my rotation!
Sooooooo good:) it’s a 10!!!!!!!!! Sauce amazing simple & easy!!!
So so good and so easy. My go to sauce when making pasta.
I used this recipe to make one of my favorite meals-it was so easy to make and tasted better than any restraunt’s fettucini alfredo I’ve ever ordered. Thank you for posting this amazing recipe!
Easy and amazing…..5* easily
Can I make this a few hours ahead of time and leave it on warm in the crock pot until serving?
My grandkids & I love this recipe. It’s much better than restaurant or store bought.
I’m so glad to hear that!! Thanks for giving the recipe a try!
As you said, quick and easy Alfredo Fretuccini recipe….. I love it!
This Alfredo sauce is addicting! I could literally sit and eat it with a spoon! Just amazing!!!
So easy, so good!
The best Sauce! I’m so happy that I found you! It’s definitely a 5 Stars!
I love this recipe! So happy that I found you!
Quick, easy and delicious. Paired with grilled shrimp, arugula salad and garlic bread. Just perfect.
Can you use Kraft powder Parmesan with the green lid?
I prefer using fresh! It’s SO tasty!
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!
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!
This is the simplest recipe. My family always welcomes it when I make this for dinner! So creamy and garlicky!
This is the best Alfredo sauce I’ve had. I make this all the time.
Perfect, quick easy sauce.
Yay! So glad to hear you enjoyed it!
This has become a “go to” recipe in our household. It’s delicious simple or your can add cooked mushrooms, peas, chicken, bacon, or ham. Excellent, easy, and always delicious! Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe.
I’m so happy to hear your family loves the recipe!! Thanks for the review!!
where is the video!!!
The video should show up for you under the “Quick + Easy = Win!” heading if you’re on a desktop/laptop and on a device, it shows up at the beginning of the post close to the image of the meal.
Fantastic!!! Fool proof and takes hardly any time to put this all together. My kids who are picky about their pasta gave a thumbs up!! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Yay!! You’re welcome. I’m so glad to hear that you and your family enjoy the recipe!
i glad this alfrado dish has less butter the the olive gardewn recipe that called for a stick
Easy and delish every time
Great recipe!
This is a really simple but delicious Alfredo sauce, love it!
Just made this past weekend. So delicious, dinner party friendly with kid appeal. So yummy as sauce on pizza too.
I have made several of your recipes. My Family and I have yet to be disappointed!
Awe, thank you!! That makes my day 🙂
This is by far the best Alfredo sauce I’ve had. So good and so much better than the jar kind.
Awe, thank you so much!!
I don’t like jar alfredo sauce i came across this recipe and its the only one i make its amazinG We love it!!
I am so glad you like this sauce! I prefer the homemade, too! Thank you1
Is this recipe using salted butter and can I use MOZERRELA cheese instead throughout?
I like to use unsalted butter & yes, you totally can 🙂 Enjoy!
I’m a 61 year old guy, who lives Alone, but loves good food! Can’t wait to try tonight!
I am glad you love good food!! Hope you find some recipes to try here!
yum, yum, snd more yum!
I am right there with ya! Thank you for trying it!
Im excited to add this recipe to my rotation. I appreciate a Quick delicious pasta dish on busy week nights.
when my DAUGHTER is in charge of dinner, this is the recipe she loves to make! She loves noodles (pasta) and enjoys making this RECIPE.
This is as amazing!!! Thank you so much!!
This recipe was Ah-MAZING! For sure a keeper!
Such a delicious and easy weeknight dinner recipe! I love to balance it out with some grilled veggies, too.
This is the ultimate comfort food! It looks incredible!
My family loves this! It’s super easy to make
This is our go-to recipe for fettuccine!! It is super easy to make & so good!! My family loves it!
I always have the ingredients on hand for this recipe. It comes together quickly and everybody loves it. One of the best and fastest recipes.
So easy and delicious!! This will definitely be on the menu rotation!!
So happy to hear that! Thank you so much for sharing that 🙂
CAn you use homemade pasta
You for sure could 😉 Enjoy!
I can’t tell you how many nights this recipe has saved my BACON. Its soooo simple and the kids love it!! Thx!
I love the recipes that dont require much effort. Especially when Im in a rush. I try to always have my most favorIte ingredients around. This recipe has all my favorIte stuff and its ready in 15 minutes.
This is so easy to make and it tastes so delicious! my family loves whenever they get a chance to eat this!
I have made this quite a few times, now. it is our favorite. I love how easy it is to make & it’s so creamy. we love adding chicken to make even more filling! my kids & hubby love it!
Love the look of all your recipes. However, if you could please put the Weight Watchers Freestyle Points in the recipe, it would be most helpful.
Thank you
I noticed in your ingredient’s you have garlic powder listed. Then in your directions you wrote garlic pepper. Which one do you use ?
Garlic pepper 🙂 Sorry, for the mix up! Though, both would be good! 🙂
hey girl- this looks amazing! Y’all have a great weekend!
This is our favorite go-to! Thanks Shawna!
I like Mayo, but not cooked. What is a good Sub?
You could try greek yogurt, mashed avocado, hummus..just depends on what you like 🙂 Hope that helps!
I made the fettuccine last night for a dinner party; it was delicious and SO easy! Thank you!! That is definitely a keeper. So glad to have found this site!!
This looks delish! It’s very similar to the recipe I use, but I always add a pinch of nutmeg…sounds crazy, but it works I swear!
Hmmm, will have to give that a try. Thanks, Audra!!
We used nutmeg *just a pinch* when I was sous chef in an authentic Old-World Italian restaurant back in Massachusetts. I’ve yet to see another Alfredo recipe that calls for nutmeg in the ingredients. Try it, the difference is subtle but noticeable.
Thank you for sharing that!! I am sure that was a great experience!
Yummy! May have to make this for dinner tonight!
If you’re ever in a bind and want a good, quick meal this one is perfect! 😀
I can’t wait to give this a go… my family will love it!
They’ll love it, Heather. It’s so easy and so delicious. 🙂
It looks so good!!
xoxo
Delicious!! My daughter is a HUGE fettuccine fan. I usually make it every other week, but I do add chicken in which she loves too. Great recipe!!
Thanks, Crystal! Can’t go wrong with Fettuccine, right? I prefer it with chicken but usually leave it out because the kids don’t like it as much with it. :/
Aww! You are too sweet! I’m so glad you liked it!
Of course, Talitha – it’s delicious!! Thank YOU!