Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner table into an Italian restaurant-worthy experience! This mouthwatering Fettuccini Alfredo recipe is not just another pasta dish – it's a creamy, decadent masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. With a perfect balance of rich Parmesan, velvety butter, and luxurious heavy cream, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccini pasta
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the fettuccini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Be careful not to brown the butter.
- Pour the heavy cream into the melted butter and whisk together, allowing the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the butter and cream mixture, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, using tongs or a pasta server.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the creamy, rich Alfredo sauce coating the tender fettuccini.
Tips
- Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Keep your pasta water! The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency and helping the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Cook pasta just to al dente – it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce, preventing mushy noodles.
- Whisk the sauce continuously to prevent burning and ensure a silky-smooth texture.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture. Alfredo sauce can separate and become less creamy if left sitting too long.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a hint of garlic or nutmeg to the sauce, or top with crispy bacon bits for a delightful variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 838kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
