Description
Homemade Fettuccine Alfredo is a creamy and comforting pasta dish made with tender fettuccine noodles coated in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. This Italian-American classic is easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente according to package instructions.
- Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and warm gently for 3 to 4 minutes without boiling.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the Alfredo sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-grated cheese.
- Keep the heat low to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon make excellent protein additions.
- Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas can be added for extra vegetables.
- Half-and-half may be substituted for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Freezing is not recommended because cream sauces may become grainy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
