Ingredients
Fettuccine Alfredo Ingredients
- 1 lb egg fettuccine
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) salted butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg fettuccine and cook until al dente, according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the salted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, being careful not to brown the garlic.
- Add Heavy Cream and Warm: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the butter and garlic. Stir frequently and gently warm the mixture over medium-low heat until it is hot but not boiling.
- Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to melt the cheese smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creaminess is achieved.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated with the creamy Alfredo. Alternatively, serve the pasta on plates and spoon the sauce over each portion.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most flavorful.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water when draining to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Cook garlic gently to avoid burning which can cause bitterness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smoothest sauce.
- Serve immediately as Alfredo sauce tends to thicken upon standing.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian