Classic Fettuccine Alfredo
A rich and creamy Italian-American pasta dish featuring tender fettuccine noodles coated in a luxurious sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. A comforting meal for two.
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package directions until it is al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta well.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Al dente means cooked so that it is still firm when bitten.
- •Reserving pasta water is important; it helps make the sauce creamy.
Make the Alfredo sauce
While the pasta is cooking, in a large skillet or saucepan, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add 1 cup heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer (cook gently just below boiling, with small bubbles). Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is slightly reduced (cooked down and become thicker).
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Simmer means to cook gently just below boiling, with small bubbles.
- •Reduced means cooked down to be thicker and more flavorful.
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the cream mixture. Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss vigorously with tongs until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce becomes thick and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Tossing vigorously helps the sauce emulsify (mix smoothly) and cling to the pasta.
- •The starch from the pasta water helps thicken and bind the sauce.
Serve
Serve the Fettuccine Alfredo immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley.
💡 Pro Tips:
- •Fettuccine Alfredo is best served fresh, as the sauce can thicken considerably upon cooling.
- •Parsley adds a fresh touch to a rich dish.
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- 💡For the creamiest sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block, not pre-shredded.
- 💡Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the finished dish for a more complete meal (note this changes the vegetarian dietary tag).
- 💡If you want a hint of garlic, you can sauté 1 minced clove of garlic in the butter before adding the cream.
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