Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of lusciously creamy, perfectly cooked fettuccine that transports you straight to the heart of Italy - without leaving your kitchen! This Simple Fettuccine Alfredo isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary love affair that promises restaurant-quality indulgence in just 25 minutes. Whether you're a gluten-free foodie or a pasta purist, this dish will become your new go-to comfort meal that's guaranteed to impress both family and unexpected dinner guests.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine (gluten-free if desired)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- If using gluten-free pasta, carefully add the fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. For traditional pasta, follow the same cooking method.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat, being careful not to brown the butter.
- Slowly pour the heavy cream into the melted butter, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream and butter to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly to create a creamy, smooth sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of pasta cooking water to thin it.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust sauce consistency.
- Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand evenly. Use reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to incorporate.
- Transfer the pasta to serving plates, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot.
- Optional: For extra richness, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
Tips
- • Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor! • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce • Keep your heat low when making the sauce to prevent separating • Reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for adjusting sauce consistency • Serve immediately while hot for the most decadent texture • For a gluten-free version, choose certified gluten-free pasta and check your Parmesan is gluten-free • Optional: Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a complete meal
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 680kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 30g
Cholesterol: 145mg
