Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

5 from 387 votes

Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

Easy Fettuccine Alfredo is creamy, cheesy, and ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients for a quick family favorite pasta dinner.

Prep Time5

Cook Time30

Total Time35

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Servings:

Author: Kristyn Merkley

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package fettuccine
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
½ teaspoon garlic pepper
salt, to taste
reserved pasta water

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 1 pound fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain.
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet over low to medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy whipping cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly. Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cheese.
Add the drained fettuccine to the skillet and toss until every noodle is coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches the consistency you like.
Season with garlic pepper, black pepper, red pepper flakes, or salt as needed. Top with additional freshly grated Parmesan and serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips:

Grate the Parmesan Fresh. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a creamier texture.
Save the Pasta Water. Reserve about 1 cup before draining so you can loosen the Alfredo sauce if it gets too thick.
Keep the Heat Low. Once the Parmesan is added, use low heat and stir gently to keep the cheese from becoming grainy or oily.
Do Not Overcook the Pasta. Cook the fettuccine just until al dente since it will continue to soften slightly when tossed with the hot sauce.
Thin Sauce. Let it simmer a little longer, or stir in a small amount of additional Parmesan.
Thick Sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is smooth and creamy again.

Store. Place in an airtight container(s) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat. It’s best to reheat it slowly over low heat on the stove. Stir it continuously to keep the sauce together. If needed, add a splash of milk or heavy cream to smooth out the sauce.

For more substitutions and tips, check out the full recipe post.

Nutrition